Vaccine certification
The HSC COVID Certification service is now closed to new applications. The app will be removed from the app stores. Active certificates, and the COVIDCert NI app will cease to work from the 12 of January 2024. COVID certificates are no longer required domestically or for international travel.
If you are travelling abroad you should review travel entry requirements for the countries you will visit or travel through.
Useful Links
- Frequently Asked Questions - https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/faqs-covid-status-certification
- Information for businesses - https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-covid-certification-scheme
- How to apply for a Domestic Certificate - https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/apply-domestic-covid-vaccination-certificate
- Guidance to the verifier app for businesses - https://covid-19.hscni.net/covidcert-check-ni-mobile-app/
- Guidance for relevant venues and events - https://covid-19.hscni.net/covidcert-check-ni-guidance-for-venues-event-organisers/.
- Guidance on recording a Rapid Antigen result - www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/test-results/report-a-rapid-lateral-flow-test-result/
- General guidance on the Regulations - www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/guidance-accompany-health-protection-coronavirus-restrictions-regulations-northern-ireland-2021
- Scientific Evidence - www.health-ni.gov.uk/covid-19-scientific-evidence.
- Human Rights Impact Assessment - Human Rights Impact Assessment for Introduction of Covid Status Certification | Department of Health (health-ni.gov.uk)
- Guidance on Covid Status Certification - www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/guidance-covid-status-certification
- Introduction of covid status certification in domestic settings - Data protection impact assessment
FAQs
Background
Q. What is Covid Status Certification?
Covid Status Certification was introduced by the Department of Health in November 2021, with approval from the Executive, in an attempt to stop transmission of COVID-19 in high-risk settings. Although no longer required by regulation it is still encourages in these settings.
Q. Is Covid Status Certification legally required in a setting?
No, Covid Status Certification is no longer legally required in any setting, however it remains highly recommended in higher risk venues and events to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
Q. Why was it brought in?
Following serious pressure on our hospital system and continuing high number of COVID cases in November 2021, the Executive agreed to implement the Covid Status Certification Scheme as a means to reduce the spread. Ensuring that only persons who are fully vaccinated, provided proof of negative test or natural immunity from a previous PCR test are present in these settings will reduce the risk of infection and severe illness leading to hospitalisations amongst attendees.
Q. What is the science behind this?
- Due to the nature of interactions, close proximity of interactions, length of stay, high frequency of contacts and confined shared environments, some sectors were deemed “high risk” for transmission of COVID-19.
- If attendance at high risk settings is limited to individuals who are less likely to be infectious there will be a reduced risk of virus transmission in those settings
- There is overwhelming evidence that vaccination reduces the risk of becoming infected with the virus and in particular that it reduces the risk of serious illness requiring hospitalization
- In addition, a recent negative test or recovery from positive test also reduce risk of transmission
- Therefore Covid-status certification has the following benefits:
- It will reduce virus transmission, primarily by reducing the likelihood of infections individuals entering high risk settings
- Hence, it will reduce the risk of serious illness and death and in doing so alleviate current and future pressure on the healthcare system
Q. Are these vaccine passports?
No – the Covid Status Certification scheme allows an individual to prove their status by three different methods:
- Proof of Full Vaccination (two courses, booster is not required)
- Negative Lateral Flow antigen test within two calendar days
- Previous positive test for COVID-19, between 30-180 days old
Further information on each of these methods is available below.
Settings
Q. What settings is Certification recommended for Entry?
Certification is recommended in settings deemed as higher risk of transmission, which include but not limited to the following:
- Licensed hospitality premises;;
This includes pubs or restaurants that serve alcohol, including Bring Your Own and nightclubs - Indoor events where not all attendees are seated; (where some or all of the audience are not normally seated). This means where the crowd are usually standing, such as indoor music concerts.
- Events with 10,000 or more attendees;
- Cinemas, theatres and conference halls.
Evidence
Q. What Evidence can I use to gain entry to a venue requesting Certification?
-
Proof of a full dose of an authorised vaccination
There are three different ways to prove your double vaccination:
(a) Digitally using the COVID Cert NI App.
Search for “COVID Cert NI App” on your smart phones app to download the app. An NI Direct account will be required. The app will link to your vaccination status and produce a unique QR code that will be scanned at venues.
(b) Paper Based Pass
Those without access to technology can apply for a paper-based pass from the Department of Health giving proof of vaccination status, which uses secure printing methods which prevent against fraud, and contains a QR code acceptable by the Verifier App used by venues. Photo ID should be used alongside this method. For this method please telephone 03002007814 between 8am & 8pm. Please note this method can take up to 10 days to arrive.
(c) Using your proof of vaccination card
The card showing proof of vaccination can be used alongside photo ID as an alternative to the above methods.
-
Negative Test
A negative COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test (commonly known as a rapid lateral flow test) taken either the day of, or the day before entering a relevant place or event.
Lateral Flow tests can be obtained for free at community pharmacies, as well as online at https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
Proof of the negative test is required, by reporting the result to https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result - then either the email or text message should be presented to the venue, alongside photo ID.
-
Previous Positive Test
Proof of a previous positive COVID-19 test, between 30-180 days. Proof is either the text or email confirming your positive test, alongside photo ID. There is a minimum 30 day time since confirmation of a positive test to ensure there is no risk of remaining contagious.
Q. Is the booster needed for a full dosage of an authorised vaccine?
No, currently two doses are required to use the vaccinated method.
Q. What if I’ve only had one dose?
Two doses are needed to use the vaccinated method. However you can still use proof of a negative test. It is recommended that everyone receive two doses, clinics are still available to get a second dose.
Exemptions to the Scheme
Q. Who are exempt from the scheme?
A very small number of people are exempt from vaccination due to clinical reasons. The following individuals are exempt from providing Covid Status Certification for the required settings:
- Under 18s – children are not required to show status in any setting
- The person responsible for the premises -
- People working or performing in the venues -
- Providing a Service in a venue to which the certification applies - as long as there is no contact with the public during this time.
- Hotel residents unless/until they enter a hospitality area of the hotel.
- Participants in a clinical trial of a vaccine against Coronavirus disease – Proof of this is required to be uploaded to the COVID Cert NI App
- People who cannot be vaccinated for clinical reasons and who have been given an exemption by way of the official process for obtaining a medical exemption – proof of this exemption will be required to be uploaded to the COVID Cert NI App;
- Police, Emergency Services Responders and Regulators carrying out their work.
Q. How to apply for proof of exemption on clinical grounds?
It is envisaged that this will only apply to a small amount of individuals.
The exemption process has been available from 10 December 2021.
Those seeking exemption can get the relevant documentation by phoning the helpline on 0300 200 7814, which is available Monday to Sunday 0800 to 2000. The process includes screening questions, confirmation from relevant Health Trust and then production of a printed digital certificate. Details of grounds for clinical exemption will be updated on NI Direct
(An exemption will apply to those people who cannot be vaccinated for clinical reasons and have been given an exemption by way of the official process for obtaining a medical exemption.)
App Queries
Q. I already have an international travel certificate. How do I get a domestic use certificate?
Please ensure you have updated the latest version of the app. Please click the ‘+ Activate Domestic Certificate’ button. This should prompt you to follow a number of steps and take a selfie. The certificate should then be available for view within the app.
Q. I cannot see an option to activate a domestic certificate in my app. How do I generate a certificate?
Please follow the below steps:
iPhone
- Go to your iPhone's home screen and tap on the App Store icon.
- After the App Store opens, tap the profile icon in the top right corner of the screen.
- Scroll to the CovidCert NI app and select ‘update’.
- Enter your password and wait for your app to update.
- Go into the CovidCert NI app and click the ‘+ Activate Domestic Certificate’ button.
Android
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- At the top right, tap the profile icon.
- Tap 'Manage apps and device'. Scroll to the CovidCert NI app and select ‘update’.
- Go into the CovidCert NI app and click the ‘+ Activate Domestic Certificate’ button.
If you are still unable to see the certificate in your app, please send a screenshot of the error.
Q. Can I download a PDF version of my domestic certificate?
The domestic certificate is currently unavailable to view on the browser or to download as a PDF. You can only view the domestic certificate on the app.
Q. Can I use my travel or paper certificate for domestic use?
The 2nd QR code in the travel and paper certificates can be scanned at venues however, photographic ID will need to be presented in addition to the QR code at the point of entry.
Covid Status Certification guidance poster for businesses/venues
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