Travellers face restrictions over vaccine expiry rules

Travellers to some countries such as Austria and Israel – which have imposed time limits on the validity of Covid-19 vaccinations – could face problems without proof of their booster jabs.

The Independent warns that the NHS has chosen not to include the additional vaccination on travellers’ records.

“With some countries putting limits on the validity of vaccinations, the decision could wreck plans for British travellers over the winter,” said the Independent.

It reported a pharmacist claimed the source of the problem was that the NHS certification scheme was not designed with the possibility of a booster in mind.

Austria has a 360-day limit, meaning that people who were among the first to receive their NHS jabs will reach the 360-day deadline early in the New Year. Initially, the country had a 270-day limit.

Israel allows visits only if the holidaymaker leaves the country no more than 180 days after their second dose.

The Department of Health told the Independent that the position about booster jabs is under review.

The Telegraph reported that other countries could follow Austria and Israel’s example – and that the varying policies in different countries are “undermining the revival of flying”.

Source: Travelweekly