Filenews 29 March 2022
Today, the Commission adopted new rules on the vaccination certificate under the EU Digital Certificate Regulation. The new rules exempt minors from the period of acceptance of vaccination certificates for 270 days after the initial vaccination series. Therefore, the standard acceptance period will be limited to persons aged 18 years and over. While the booster dose has been approved on the recommendation of the EMA since the age of 12, not all Member States currently recommend the administration of booster doses to minors.
Justice Commissioner Didier Reders said: "One of the biggest benefits of the EU's DIGITAL COVID certificate is its flexibility to adapt to new circumstances. After discussions with Member States' public health experts, we have decided that vaccination certificates for minors should not have an expiry date. When travelling, they will be able to continue to use the certificate they received after the initial vaccination series."
Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides added: "The pandemic is still here and vaccination remains vital. Our message has not changed: get vaccinated and take the booster dose as soon as possible. Vaccination saves lives and is crucial for all of us."
The exemption for persons under the age of 18 will be applied at the verification level by customising the mobile apps used to verify EU digital COVID certificates. Member States must make the necessary technical adjustments for the application of this exemption by 6 April 2022. More information on the EU's Digital COVID Certificate is available on the dedicated website. Website
Source: in.gr
