It is feared millions of Brits could be blocked from European travel this summer due to three batches of the AstraZeneca vaccine not being recognised by the EU’s passport scheme.
The Telegraph reported on Friday three batches of the AstraZeneca jab administered in the UK had been manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and were a version of the vaccine known as Covishield.
Covidshield has not yet been authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the new EU digital Covid certificate vaccine passport scheme, leading to fears that people could be turned away at borders if they attempt to use their vaccination status to travel.
But Boris Johnson said he was “very confident” the issue would be resolved.
A Government spokesperson later said no Covidshield vaccines have been administered in the UK, adding that all doses used in the UK have been subject to rigorous safety and quality checks by the MHRA.
How do I check my batch number?
Three batches of the AstraZeneca vaccine were reported to have been manufactured in India:
- 4120Z001
- 4120Z002
- 4120Z003
Your batch numbers should be written or stamped on the vaccine card you received at your first appointment.
You can also view your batch numbers through the NHS app, by clicking “Get your NHS Covid Pass”.
Why is the EU not accepting Covidshield?
The EU Digital Covid Certificate launched on Thursday 1 July, and is designed to allow people to travel freely across the region using proof of vaccination.
Covishield is yet to be approved for use in the EU, which means it is not recognised as a valid vaccination for travel.
There is no suggestion that this vaccine is substandard. The issue is that the EMA has not authorised it because the Indian manufacturers are yet to seek a licence to use it in Europe.
What has the Government said?
A Government spokesperson called the claims “completely untrue”, and said: “No Covishield vaccines have been administered in the UK.
“All AstraZeneca vaccines given in the UK are the same product and appear on the NHS Covid Pass as Vaxzevria.
"The European Medicines Agency has authorised this vaccine and we’re confident travel will not be affected.
“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 medicine’s regulator, the MHRA.
“The EU Digital Covid-19 Certificate is currently for EU citizens only, or third country nationals legally staying or resident in the EU. Ensuring safe and open travel with our global partners is a clear priority and we are engaging the European Commission on certification.”
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