Covid Booster Jab Requirements for Travel
In May 2022, nearly 70 percent of the UK population over 12 has had a third booster jab to enhance their protection against Covid and minimize the spread of infection. While many countries require travellers to be vaccinated before entry, the booster jab is only necessary for travel in certain destinations. Here’s everything we know regarding the booster jab’s role in safe travel.
Do I Need a Booster Jab to Travel?
Currently, you do not need to show proof of a Covid booster to travel to most destinations. However, this may change in the future. Prime Minister Boris Johnson hinted that this could soon become a requirement during a Downing Street press conference in early January.
“It’s already the case that to travel to some countries you need a booster to be considered fully vaccinated,” he stated, emphasizing that it is likely to become increasingly common.
The NHS app was updated to include a third booster jab as part of the NHS Covid Pass for travel since November 2021.
Some European countries, including Spain, France, and Denmark, have applied a nine-month expiry date to vaccine passports to unify travel regulations within the EU and Schengen Zone. This could imply that if you received your second dose of the vaccine more than 270 days ago, a booster shot may be required for you to be considered fully vaccinated. Greece has brought this limit down to seven months, while Austria requires proof of a booster jab after 180 days.
However, the Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed that there is currently no need to present proof of a booster for travel into England. Since May 12, 2022, the domestic NHS Covid Pass required to enter large-scale venues, such as nightclubs, has also been discontinued.
Will I Need a Second Booster Jab to Travel?
At this time, there are no indications that a second Covid booster jab will be necessary for entry into foreign countries, especially as a majority of the UK population received their first booster just a few months ago. Nevertheless, some countries may impose a nine-month expiry, requiring your most recent jab to be less than 270 days old. Therefore, it is advisable to take the available vaccines to ensure full compliance with health regulations.
What is the Covid Booster Jab?
The Covid booster jab can be administered three to six months after the second vaccination, significantly enhancing protection against the virus. According to a UK Health Security Agency report, a Pfizer/BioNTech booster jab provided after an initial round of either Oxford/AstraZeneca or Pfizer offers 70-75 percent protection against symptomatic infection. This stands in contrast to data suggesting that individuals who have had two doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab 25 weeks or more ago may have lower protection against symptomatic infection with the Omicron variant.
Who Can Have the Covid Booster Jab?
Initially, booster doses were limited to individuals over 40 and those with underlying health conditions. However, as of December 15, 2021, the government confirmed that they would be made available to 18 to 39-year-olds as well. Individuals aged 12 and over can also now receive a booster dose.
On February 21, 2022, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) stated that a fourth dose would be available to all individuals over 75 years old, and to those over 12 who are considered vulnerable starting from spring.
Where Can I Get a Booster Jab?
You should be contacted by the NHS regarding your appointment, which can typically be scheduled a month in advance. Alternatively, you can reach out to your GP to request an appointment for your booster jab.
