Vaccine passports: how would they work, and how would I get one?
Attendance at large events will require a vaccine passport from October 1, under Scottish Government plans.
Last updated 9th Sep 2021
Scotland looks set to introduce vaccine passports for nightclubs and some music festivals and football matches as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Attendance at large events will require a vaccine passport from October 1, under Scottish Government plans.
A paper released just hours before MSPs are due to vote on the scheme stated there would be a legal requirement for businesses to "take all reasonable measures'' to ensure compliance, while ministers are also considering if there is a need for an offence to stop the "misuse'' of the certificates.
The scheme will make a QR code available through a smart phone app, which will be scanned before entry is allowed to nightclubs or similar venues, adult entertainment, unseated indoor events with more than 500 people, outdoor unseated events with more than 4,000 people or any event with more than 10,000 in attendance.
It is also hoped that mandating the use of vaccine passports will encourage more reluctant Scots to get vaccinated so they are able to attend.
What is a vaccine passport?
Vaccine passports or certificates are used to provide proof of vaccination status.
The EU recently introduced a digital system for its members - which requires travellers to present a QR code.
In France, people need proof of vaccination, a negative test or recent recovery from Covid to enter most museums and cinemas.
Until now, proof has only been available in Scotland in the form of a printed paper certificate.
But from Friday, people in Scotland will be able to download a QR code.
How do I get one?
People will be able to download a PDF version of their vaccination status online.
It can be accessed through the NHS Inform website.
For those who are not able to download a PDF, printed copies can still be posted out.
14 days should be allowed for them to arrive.
If you requested a copy of your vaccination status before 3 September your letter will still be valid.
You'll only need to re-order your letter if the country you’re travelling to requires your status to include 2D barcodes.
Those aged 12 to 15 can request a copy of their vaccination status by phoning the COVID-19 Status Helpline on 0808 196 8565.
What are the plans for vaccine passports in Scotland?
"In line with our strategic intent to 'suppress the virus to a level consistent with alleviating its harms while we recover and rebuild for a better future', a Covid vaccine certification scheme will aid us in reducing the rate and impact of transmission,'' the paper said.
It added: "Where someone does catch the virus, being vaccinated significantly reduces the likelihood of serious harm or death and in doing so alleviate pressure on the healthcare system.
"As a result, certification provides a targeted and proportionate means to reduce risk while maximising our ability to keep open certain settings and events where transmission is a higher risk.
"In addition, the need to be vaccinated is expected to encourage the remaining sections of the eligible population yet to be vaccinated to take up the offer of the vaccine.''
Regulations will be introduced by the Scottish Government and reviewed every three weeks, with the rules to be revoked when they are deemed no longer necessary.
People under 18, those who are medically exempt, participating in vaccine trials or who are employees within venues will not have to show certification to gain entry.
While MSPs will vote on the issue on Thursday afternoon, the scheme is yet to be finalised, with a passage of the paper saying: "We are working with a range of stakeholders to finalise the design of the scheme.
"These stakeholders include local government, NHS Boards and businesses/representative organisations in sectors that will be required to implement a certification scheme.''
The paper also does not define what a nightclub is, saying: "The Scottish Government is working with stakeholders to finalise a definition that will ensure the intended public health benefit, but not result in market distortion or displacement.''
Ahead of the vote at Holyrood on Thursday afternoon, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said businesses had raised concerns about the scheme.
He said: "The First Minister has published a document this morning that contains no evidence that this will make a difference and no details of how it will work.
"She references nightclubs, this document suggests we still don't know what 'nightclubs' means. And they will be expected to introduce these measures in three weeks' time.''
He added: "There are businesses that will be impacted like this that have longer cocktails than this document.''
The First Minister said consultations were ongoing with the industry.
Nicola Sturgeon said: "An increasing number of countries across Europe are already using vaccine certification already using on a much more wide-ranging basis than we are.
"They're seeing in some cases, France for example, it pushing up rates of vaccination uptake and also helping to constrain and reduce transmission.''