AQW 19175/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Health

To ask the Minister of Health given that Scotland, Wales and England now have systems either in place or in development, to detail the solutions his Department is considering in regards to proving COVID-19 vaccination status for those seeking to travel.

Asked by Stewart Dickson MLA on 20 May 2021

  • Answered
  • Written
  • Priority
Tabled
20 May 2021
Answer due by
28 May 2021
Answered
24 May 20214 days after tabling
Department
Department of Health
Priority question
Yes

Answer

The NI Vaccination Programme is being concentrated on the vaccination of the population to protect everyone, particularly older and vulnerable citizens in our community. It will also help us move gradually towards the easing of restrictions in society, and particularly for travel, when it is safe to do so.

The Department of Health is working on a solution to enable proof of vaccination to the agreed standard. It is anticipated that a paper based option will be available in the first instance, from a specialist printing service. This requires infrastructure to be developed, allowing citizens to request certification which is securely linking to their personal data. Further details will follow shortly. In the meantime it should be noted that neither GP practices or other HSC organisations are able to issue letters for travel purposes.

Official sources