Q: I’m double-jabbed but vaccinations have an expiry date on the NHS Covid app. I’ve had my booster jab but it doesn’t show on the app, so how do I prove I’ve had it?
More and more travellers edging closer to the expiry dates of their vaccinations. Some countries including Israel, Croatia and Austria, are particularly alert to this and will exclude entry to those people whose vaccinations have expired.
Vaccinations are considered to provide immunity for 270 days. However, Austria has extended this to 360 days with Israel reducing this to just 180 days. Croatia will let you in if you take a test on arrival and quarantine until a negative test can be shown.
The booster jab would solve that problem but there is no way of proving it. Currently, the NHS app does not have a facility to show this and there is no documentation you can show either.
This only becomes a problem when the country you are visiting stipulates that you cannot enter after the expiry date shown on the app. If more countries decide to put this measure into place then British holidaymakers looking to get away over the winter months may well find themselves excluded.
The irony is that after a lot of too-ing and fro-ing by the EU about the validity of the NHS Covid pass system, it has finally been recognised EU-wide as proof of vaccination with AstraZeneca, Moderna or Pfizer.
The decision not to include the booster jab on the NHS Covid pass is perplexing and this was a decision taken by the Department of Health.
Clifton Maurice, a frequent traveller, is worried that he will be excluded if more countries decide to adhere to time limits.
I’m now worried about booking anything in case I have to cancel my travel plans because I can’t prove I’ve had my booster. It’s just silly that the booster jab is not being shown on the NHS Covid app.
The Department of Health says it will be reviewing the situation, and we will keep you posted.