I haven't tried HA with NFC tags yet, but if I tap an NFC tag with my phone, it'll show a list of app that can be launched to handle the tag. The phone need to be unlocked though.
HA handles them really well actually. You can flash them directly from the HA app, and as long as NFC is turned on on the phone, you can just scan them and execute whatever automation they're tied to without opening the app. You can buy a 50 pack for like $15 on amazon/aliexpress.
Also if you have a 3D printer, you can slip them into your prints while printing and have them fully sealed inside the object (I have a giant 3D printed house key that has our wifi login embedded in it)