If you’re planning to go on a European holiday this summer, being double jabbed may not protect you from travel restrictions.

There are concerns that millions could be prevented from travelling to certain EU countries this summer as certain batches of Covid vaccine are not recognised by the EU.

Travellers will be unable to use the Digital Covid Certificate scheme as proof of vaccination and entry as it only recognises vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Just last month, a couple were barred from a flight from Manchester to Malta because they had the Indian-made jab.

However, Malta later changed their entry policy and now allow holidaymakers into the country- even if they have received the specific batch of Indian vaccine.

 

 

The AstraZeneca doses in question are made by the Serum Institute of India, known as Covishield.

Despite the jab being the same as other AstraZeneca vaccines, it has not been authorised by Europe’s regulator and is therefore not recognised by the EU or approved by the EMA.

However, Grant Shapps said the vaccine made by the Serum Institute of India is “absolutely the same product” as batches made elsewhere.

He said: “The (UK) medicines agency, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, have been very clear that it doesn’t matter whether the AstraZeneca you have is made here or the Serum Institute in India.

“It is absolutely the same product, it provides exactly the same levels of protection from the virus.”

The Prime Minister has previously stated he was “very confident” Covishield would not cause an issue, following estimates that five million Britons could be barred from taking holidays in the EU.

Which EU countries are currently accepting Covishield?

At the time of writing, seventeen countries confirmed they will accept travellers who have received the Covishield jab.

These include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Which batch numbers are not valid for travel?

The following batch numbers of the AstraZeneca vaccine are not recognised under the EU Digital Covid Certificate:

 4120Z001

 4120Z002

 4120Z003

If you have these batch numbers you may need to check that they are recognised as a valid vaccines in your holiday destination of choice. 

How can I check my batch number?

The easiest way to find out what your batch number is on your vaccination card; it should be located underneath the name of your vaccine and next to ‘date vaccine given’.

You should have been given this after receiving your vaccination.

If you have misplaced your card there are other ways to check your batch number.

You can use the NHS app to check your batch number- you can also use this app to show proof of vaccination while travelling.

Simply log on to the app and click on ‘Get your NHS Covid pass’ to access your Covid-19 records.

 

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