The Covid‘passport’ could become an ever-present part of daily life in England as restrictions relax and life begins to return to normal.
Some venues and events are encouraged to require the NHS Covid Pass for entry – and it could become law at the end of September to require two doses of the vaccine.
So what exactly is the pass and how can you get it? Here’s what you need to know.
What is an NHS Covid Pass?
The NHS Covid Pass – or so-called ‘vaccine passport’ – is a record of your vaccination or test status.
This is something you can show for entry to certain events or places that may require either full vaccination, immunity from a recent positive test, or a very recent negative test.
It may be necessary for travelling abroad to some countries and, since July 19, can now be requested in England to prove you are less likely to spread the virus.
Anyone can get a pass, as long as one of these conditions applies:
How to get one
The easiest way for anyone with a smart phone is to simply download the pass on the NHS App – note, this is different to the NHS Covid-19 app.
Once you are logged in, an option to ‘get your NHS Covid Pass’ will already be laid out on the home page. Click there to access your pass.
In the app, your Covid status will include a barcode with an expiry date. This is simply the date your barcode will automatically refresh and it will update whenever you log in.
This is important to note if you are planning on either printing off these barcodes or storing them as a PDF – as they may be out of date by the time you use them.
You will, however, always be able to access up-to-date barcodes on the app itself. It is possible to get your pass from the NHS website too.
You can also ask for your pass to be sent to you in the post, either by requesting one online or by calling 119. This paper version will only state your vaccination status and has no expiry date.
Where could you be asked to show one?
Some events and venues may choose to ask for the pass.
Anywhere that fits one of the following descriptions may well opt to require on for entry:
You may also need one if you are planning to travel abroad. What the exact status of your pass – whether it shows full vaccination or proof of immunity – needs to be depends on your destination.
Is it a legal requirement? And could you be turned away for not having one?
Use of the pass is purely voluntary for businesses and organisations, although the government says it encourages its use “in facilities or events where people are likely to be in close proximity to a large number of people from other households for a sustained period of time.”
The government does, however, hope to bring forward a law at the end of September to make two jabs necessary to get into certain venues and events, including night clubs.
While venues are currently free to set their own conditions for entry, what they cannot do is discriminate, lawyer Stephanie Hayden told ITV News.
A bottle of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
She said: “The most obvious one that comes to mind in this situation would potentially be disability.
“So, if for reasons of health, you could not take the vaccine, then it would be wrong under the current legislation and indeed unlawful for a service provider to refuse you access.”
What are the benefits?
Data shows that those vaccinated against Covid-19 are significantly less likely to fall seriously ill from the virus, even if it is still possible to catch it and show symptoms.
The idea behind passports is to make use of the protection vaccines offer – if people mixing within a certain venue are fully vaccinated, the chances of anyone being hospitalised after catching the virus are greatly reduced.
Are there disadvantages to the passes?
One of the fears around using a passport are the effect it could have on people who, for one reason or another, have not yet had the vaccine.
Professor of Social Psychology John Drury, from the University of Sussex, told ITV News: “You only need to look at the demographics of who is getting vaccinated and who isn’t yet to know that some groups are going to be more excluded than others by a passporting system.
“I mean, these are quite consistent patterns that young people, people from deprived communities and ethnic minorities are less likely than other groups to be vaccinated.
“So that would mean that those groups will be more excluded systematically from the activities that require passports.”
So are these passports here to stay?
The future of Covid passes will need to be decided by Parliament Credit: PA
Ultimately, this decision would need to be made in Westminster.
Professor Drury believes these passes could be accepted by the public if they are “limited” in use.
“There has been some research on the conditions under which people would accept vaccine passports,” he told ITV News.
“And that suggests that they’re more acceptable if they have limited application, which means that people are more supportive if these things are not going to be permanent.
“If you look at the purpose, it is that they are all tied around specific purposes. That’s what makes them acceptable.
“So I think it’s a political judgment about whether you might want to keep these things, but from the evidence I’ve seen, I don’t think there’s a lot of public support for permanent use of vaccine passports and similar.”
An NHS COVID Pass shows your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination details or test results. This is your COVID-19 status.
You may be asked to show your pass to travel abroad, or at events and venues in England asking for proof of your COVID-19 status.
Always check the entry requirements for the country or the venue you’re visiting.
If you’re planning to travel abroad, or want to know more about your COVID-19 status:
Information: Members of the UK Armed Forces need to visit the ‘My health care hub’ on the Defence Gateway to find out how to get their NHS COVID Pass.
Who can get an NHS COVID Pass in England
If you’re aged 16 or over, you can get an NHS COVID Pass for travel abroad. If you’re aged 18 or over, you can get an NHS COVID Pass for domestic events.
COVID Pass – Travel abroad
Details of what you need to get an NHS COVID Pass to travel abroad What you need to get a pass When you can get a pass 1 or 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine used in the UK Usually within 24 hours of having your vaccination – however it can take up to 5 days for your records to be updated Positive PCR test within the past 6 months After you’ve finished self-isolating and up to 180 days after taking the test
COVID Pass – Domestic events
Details of what you need to get an NHS COVID Pass for certain events and venues in England What you need to get a pass When you can get a pass To be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine used in the UK 2 weeks after your 2nd dose, or 2 weeks after 1 dose of the Janssen vaccine Negative PCR test or rapid lateral flow test within the past 48 hours As soon as you get your result
If you did a rapid lateral flow test at home, report your rapid lateral flow test result on GOV.UK first Positive PCR test within the past 6 months After you’ve finished self-isolating and up to 180 days after taking the test
If you were vaccinated as part of an official clinical trial in England, you should have received a letter confirming this. The letter explains that your COVID-19 status is “fully vaccinated”.
If you have not received a letter, contact your clinical trial site.
You can also get an NHS COVID Pass showing your vaccination status for domestic events using the NHS App or the online NHS COVID Pass service. You’ll be able to get a digital COVID Pass for travel abroad soon.
COVID-19 status for children
The NHS COVID Pass is not available for children under the age of 16.
If you’re travelling abroad, your child may need to show a negative test result. Check the entry requirements for the country you’re visiting.
Children under the age of 18 do not need to show a COVID Pass to get into venues in England.
How to get your NHS COVID Pass
There are different ways to get a COVID Pass.
Get a digital version
You can get a digital version using the NHS App or NHS website. You can download it as a PDF or get it sent to you in an email.
You can get a digital version by:
You will need an NHS login to use these services. You’ll be asked to create one if you do not have an NHS login already.
What is NHS login
How long digital versions are valid for
If you’ve had:
If you download your COVID Pass as a PDF, always check the expiry date before using it.
If you’re fully vaccinated or had a positive test result, the barcode on a PDF is valid for 30 days.
Get a paper version (vaccination status only)
You can get an NHS COVID Pass letter sent to you in the post.
This shows you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19. It does not show COVID-19 test results.
You can ask for a letter after having your 2nd dose of the vaccine, or after a single-dose Janssen vaccine. You may need to wait 5 working days before using the service, so that your record will be up to date.
You should get the letter within 5 working days.
You can use your letter at venues in England where you need to prove your COVID-19 status 2 weeks after you have been fully vaccinated.
You do not need to be registered with a GP surgery or have an NHS login for this.
You can get a letter by:
It is also known as a COVID-19 post vaccination letter. The paper version does not have an expiry date.
Protecting your data
When you access your NHS COVID Pass via the NHS App, or directly via the NHS website, you will use NHS login. NHS login has advanced security features to protect you and minimise any risk of fraud.
Your COVID Pass only shows your vaccination record or test results, and no other personal health records.
COVID Passes and vaccination status in other parts of the UK
Page last reviewed: 5 August 2021
Next review due: 19 August 2021
Adults who can show they are fully vaccinated can avoid quarantine when returning from amber list countries.
Demonstrating your Covid status may also be needed to go to nightclubs and some other venues in England, from the end of September.
In England, the NHS Covid Pass can be used to show your Covid status.
It can be used domestically and for travel if:
You can also use it in England (but not for travel) if:
You can download it via the NHS app (not the NHS Covid-19 app), if you are registered with a GP. You can also get it via the NHS website.
Once you are logged in you can select “domestic” and “travel” pass options.
The system generates a QR code, which lasts for 28 days.
You can also request an NHS Covid Pass letter by calling 119. This only shows vaccination status and has no expiry date.
Under-16s can’t get an NHS Covid Pass because most children aren’t being vaccinated.
Make sure you apply via the official website or app. Do not click on unsolicited emails or texts.
Ministers want “higher risk” settings in England – including nightclubs – to use the NHS Covid Pass. The government plans to make it law by the end of September – when all 18-year-olds will have had the chance to be fully vaccinated
At present this is not a legal requirement – so clubs don’t have to ask for proof.
Some nightclubs and venues have already decided to require customers to have the NHS Covid Pass.
Making the jab compulsory for university students has not been ruled out by the government. It says they will get “advance warning” if they need to be vaccinated before moving to halls of residence.
In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the government was considering “the possible, albeit limited, use of Covid status certification for access to certain higher risk venues in future”. An app including vaccination details is being developed.
The NHS Covid Pass – or equivalents in other parts of the UK – allows fully vaccinated adults to avoid quarantine when they return from amber-list countries.
France has been an exception to this rule but this is no longer the case from 9 August.
Adults fully vaccinated in the US and most European countries also don’t have to self-isolate upon arrival from amber-list countries. Those vaccinated in the US can show a CDC card and proof of US residency, such as a passport or Green Card.
Proving your vaccination status is also required by some other countries for entry.
The government says more than 30 countries, including Greece and Spain, now accept the NHS pass.
You must check your destination’s entry rules before you book – and keep checking them before you travel.
In Wales, double-vaccinated adults no longer have to self-isolate if a close contact tests positive for Covid.
And from 16 August fully vaccinated adults and under-18s in England also won’t have to self-isolate if a close contact tests positive for Covid.
Scotland plans to introduce similar rules for adults, and is considering whether it can do the same for under-18s.
Over-16s in Scotland can request a paper copy of their vaccination status via the NHS inform website, or by calling 0808 196 8565. An app is being developed.
You can download the NHS Covid Pass in Wales, or you can request a paper copy by calling 0300 303 5667, at least five days after your final dose.
People in Northern Ireland can apply for the certificate online and use it for travel. Holidaymakers have been asked to use the service only if they are travelling soon, because of technical problems.
he transport secretary has backed workplaces that want to force staff to get vaccinated but said Covid passports will not need to be shown by customers in shops and pubs.
Grant Shapps said that it was a “good idea” that employers demand their workers show certification before going back into the office.
Boris Johnson announced last week that people would need to prove their vaccination status to get into nightclubs from September. Nadhim Zahawi, the vaccines minister, then said that certification would be required in a much wider
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NHS Patients, staff and visitors must continue to wear face coverings in healthcare settings
England’s Chief Nurse has today reminded the public that everyone accessing or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering and follow social distancing rules.
Covid restrictions will end in many settings in England from Monday.
However, Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are set to remain in place for all staff and visitors.
That means NHS visitor guidance will stay in place across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dental practices, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.
Staff, patients and visitors will also be expected to continue to follow social distancing rules when visiting any care setting as well as using face coverings, mask and other personal protection equipment.
The NHS will continue to support staff in ensuring that the guidance is followed in all healthcare settings.
Chief Nursing Officer for England, Ruth May said: “Face coverings and social distancing measures will remain in place across healthcare settings so that the most vulnerable people can continue to safely attend hospital, their GP surgery, pharmacy or any other healthcare settings for advice, care and treatment.
“And it is important for the public to continue to play their part when visiting NHS and care settings to help protect our staff and patients, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to infections.
“As restrictions are lifted in many places on Monday everyone has a part to play in helping to control Covid by getting vaccinated and acting responsibly.
“It is vital that in healthcare settings, we do all we can to reduce the risk of infection for those working in our services and those who need our care.”
Health Minister Jo Churchill said: “Face coverings have played an important role in healthcare settings, helping protect vulnerable patients, staff and visitors by limiting the spread of this deadly disease and this guidance remains in place.
“We expect patients, visitors and NHS staff to continue using face coverings and maintain social distancing in all healthcare settings as we cautiously lift restrictions on Monday.
“I urge everyone to play their part and think of those more vulnerable than you when visiting your local hospital or GP surgery.”
Chief Nursing Officer for England, Ruth May said: “Face coverings and social distancing measures will remain in place across healthcare settings so that the most vulnerable people can continue to safely attend hospital, their GP surgery, pharmacy or any other healthcare settings for advice, care and treatment.
“And it is important for the public to continue to play their part when visiting NHS and care settings to help protect our staff and patients, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to infections.
“As restrictions are lifted in many places on Monday everyone has a part to play in helping to control Covid by getting vaccinated and acting responsibly.
“It is vital that in healthcare settings, we do all we can to reduce the risk of infection for those working in our services and those who need our care.”
Health Minister Jo Churchill said: “Face coverings have played an important role in healthcare settings, helping protect vulnerable patients, staff and visitors by limiting the spread of this deadly disease and this guidance remains in place.
“We expect patients, visitors and NHS staff to continue using face coverings and maintain social distancing in all healthcare settings as we cautiously lift restrictions on Monday.
“I urge everyone to play their part and think of those more vulnerable than you when visiting your local hospital or GP surgery.”
Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges said: “It is absolutely right that basic infection prevention and control measures stay in place in healthcare settings. Simple steps such as wearing a face mask and keeping a safe distance away from others are a minor inconvenience but could have a profound positive impact when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable and I strongly support the chief nurse with this clear reminder.”
Jude Diggins, Interim RCN Director of Nursing, Policy and Public Affairs said: “The recent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases shows that we have some way to go before being free from the pandemic. The public understand the importance of face masks, social distancing and vigilant handwashing in all health and care settings. These must continue in order to protect patients and nursing staff thus helping to ensure the NHS has the capacity to treat everyone who needs it if pressures keep increasing.”
Eddie Crouch, Chair of the British Dental Association said: “These guidelines are in place to protect patients and staff. When visiting a dentist face coverings, social distancing and hand washing remain fundamentals not optional extras. Wider changes that take place on Monday will have no impact on how the public should approach accessing our services.”
Thorrun Govind, Chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in England said: “Pharmacists and their teams are working really hard to support patient care and the public can do its bit to help keep people safe. While some pharmacies are in retail environments, they’re still a healthcare setting and have been relied upon to support and protect the public throughout the pandemic. I’d urge everyone entering a pharmacy or any healthcare setting to wear and mask and maintain social distancing to reduce the risk from COVID-19 to both patients and staff.”
UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said: “Although restrictions are easing, NHS staff are under pressure trying to clear the long wait lists that have built up during the pandemic. At the same time, Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly and many people remain vulnerable. It’s vital that staff know they will be kept safe and the public are clear that measures like social distancing and mask wearing will still be needed to stop the spread in healthcare settings.”
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “This is exactly what health leaders across the country needed to hear as we head towards the final coronavirus restrictions lifting in England as it will validate their intention to continue following the existing infection control guidelines. It is not too much to ask of those visiting or using NHS services to continue wearing a mask and respecting social distancing measures if it can keep themselves and those around them safe from this horrible disease.”
Topics
Starting university is a big step so ensuring that your physical and mental health is being cared for is essential. As a student, there are a range of healthcare services available through the NHS, so you can receive the advice and treatment you need while living away from home.
Here are four healthcare services you may need as a student.
There’s no doubt that your university journey can be challenging. From living independently to ongoing stress and more, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Seeking wellbeing services such as counselling is a great way of managing your mental health safely. Your GP can provide practical advice as well as refer you to appropriate services.
University is a time for growth and part of that often includes exploring sexuality and relationships. According to the 2018 Let’s Talk about Sex’ survey conducted by the University of Bristol, 36% of students had never had sex when they started university. Whether you need advice about contraception, pregnancy, getting tested or more, you can access free support via the NHS.
Do you need to book a doctors appointment but have been avoiding it? Focusing on your studies and university life often means that your health gets put on the backfoot. However, online GP services include online consultations and bookings, so you can speak to a clinician quickly and easily.
If you’re going away to university, it may be good to think about vaccinations as you will be mixing with many new people on campus. The MenACWY vaccine protects against 4 different causes of meningitis and septicaemia – your GP can provide this before your academic year. Most universities also recommended having the MMR vaccine as well as the flu jab particularly if you have asthma or long-term health conditions.
The NHS GP student health service is here to help you. Register today and gain access to our online services as well as our four clinics in Wembley, Alperton, Willesden and Queen’s Park. Don’t keep your health concerns to yourself, our medical professionals are available for both physical and mental services as well as general advice for students. Sign up today.
The world of medical care has drastically changed in the past year and you can now see your GP online for many health issues. To avoid going into your next appointment unprepared, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and have everything you need on hand.
The doctor will need to know your vital signs, which means you should know your:
Pulse rate. Take this by placing two fingers (not your thumb) on your neck or wrist to feel your pulse. Count how many beats you can feel in 30 seconds, then double this to get your heart rate.
Breathing rate. This is similar to your pulse. Just pay attention to how many breaths you take for 30 seconds and then double for your rate.
You certainly don’t need much in the way of equipment, but it can be helpful to have a couple of items on hand.
A flashlight or moveable lamp is useful for illuminating shadowed areas, such as your throat. This will help your GP see the issue better. You may need to illuminate a rash or spot, as well, so keep something ready to make it easier for them to see.
Thermometers are another essential item for every home and this will let your GP know what your temperature is. You can also take your temperature over time so you can report the progression of a fever.
If you are diabetic, you should also have a glucometer to check your blood sugar and if you deal with pulmonary disease, you may want to keep a peak flow metre at home. These are both ideal for giving the GP a better idea of how your health is doing.
Finally, this is not essential, but it can be quite helpful to have a pulse oximeter on hand if you have respiratory issues. It will measure the amount of oxygen in your blood.
Ideally, you’ll be in a quiet, tranquil space that has minimal distractions. You should aim to sit in front of a window so there’s natural light on you, but if that isn’t possible, go ahead and choose a well-illuminated space in your home.
You’ll need a bit of room to move around, particularly if you are dealing with pain in other parts of the body than the head and shoulders. Your doctor may need to see you move around in order to evaluate the problem.
If you take any medications, make sure you have the list in front of you. Anything you can log, such as how many times you have had diarrhoea or how often you have vomited, will be useful to the doctor, as well.
When you go into the online GP appointment prepared, you’ll end up getting more benefits than if you aren’t ready. This also ensures your appointment will be quick and efficient.
Ready to talk to a GP about your health? Schedule an appointment with NHS GP today.
The world of medical care has drastically changed in the past year and you can now see your GP online for many health issues. To avoid going into your next appointment unprepared, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and have everything you need on hand.
The doctor will need to know your vital signs, which means you should know your:
Pulse rate. Take this by placing two fingers (not your thumb) on your neck or wrist to feel your pulse. Count how many beats you can feel in 30 seconds, then double this to get your heart rate.
Breathing rate. This is similar to your pulse. Just pay attention to how many breaths you take for 30 seconds and then double for your rate.
You certainly don’t need much in the way of equipment, but it can be helpful to have a couple of items on hand.
A flashlight or moveable lamp is useful for illuminating shadowed areas, such as your throat. This will help your GP see the issue better. You may need to illuminate a rash or spot, as well, so keep something ready to make it easier for them to see.
Thermometers are another essential item for every home and this will let your GP know what your temperature is. You can also take your temperature over time so you can report the progression of a fever.
If you are diabetic, you should also have a glucometer to check your blood sugar and if you deal with pulmonary disease, you may want to keep a peak flow metre at home. These are both ideal for giving the GP a better idea of how your health is doing.
Finally, this is not essential, but it can be quite helpful to have a pulse oximeter on hand if you have respiratory issues. It will measure the amount of oxygen in your blood.
Ideally, you’ll be in a quiet, tranquil space that has minimal distractions. You should aim to sit in front of a window so there’s natural light on you, but if that isn’t possible, go ahead and choose a well-illuminated space in your home.
You’ll need a bit of room to move around, particularly if you are dealing with pain in other parts of the body than the head and shoulders. Your doctor may need to see you move around in order to evaluate the problem.
If you take any medications, make sure you have the list in front of you. Anything you can log, such as how many times you have had diarrhoea or how often you have vomited, will be useful to the doctor, as well.
When you go into the online GP appointment prepared, you’ll end up getting more benefits than if you aren’t ready. This also ensures your appointment will be quick and efficient.
Ready to talk to a GP about your health? Schedule an appointment with NHS GP today.
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