There has been some concern as a result of news stories about UK residents being turned away from Malta for having the ‘incorrect’ vaccine. This has been investigated by the DHSC who have provided the following advice and information:
- All AstraZeneca vaccines given in the UK are the same product and appear on the NHS COVID Pass as Vaxzevria.
- The European Medicines Agency, as well as our own medicines regulator, has authorised this vaccine and travel should not be affected.
- No Covishield vaccines have been administered in the UK.
- All doses used in the UK have been subject to rigorous safety and quality checks, including individual batch testing and physical site inspections, by the UK medicine’s regulator, the MHRA.
- Ensuring safe and open travel with our global partners is a clear priority and we are engaging with international partners on certification to ensure travel for vaccinated people is unhindered in the future.
- We have spoken to the EU Commission who have confirmed that neither the Commission nor the EMA has advised Member States against accepting travellers vaccinated with ‘SII doses’.
- Our High Commission in Malta has been discussing this issue with the Maltese Government, who have agreed that they will accept the NHS certificate with the EMA approved AZ Vaxzevria dose.
- Astra Zeneca vaccine will be recognised in the same way as any other.