COVIDCert NI App Updated To Include Booster Confirmation

NI's COVIDCert app has been updated to include confirmation of booster doses, the Department of Health has announced.

The addition of booster information is likely to be particularly important to holiday makers, should their destinations require proof of a booster vaccine dose as a condition of entry.

The EU has introduced a new policy under which vaccine certificates are not recognised if your most recent dose was more than 270 days ago.

If you have yet to get your booster dose, they continue to be widely available from Health Trust vaccination clinics and community pharmacies.

You can find local clinics by putting in your post code on the HSCNI website. Further information is also available at Health Trust websites.

Up until today, proof of a booster dose was only available in pdf form. Now, you can update your COVIDCert NI app to include the fact that you have received it.

Simply, open up the app on your phone or other mobile device and follow the update instructions. Once you have updated to the new version of the app, open your app document wallet and select the option to 'Request Certificate Update'. You can also request to update your COVID certificate with a booster vaccination via the NI Direct Portal. This option is available on the NI Direct COVID Certificate Portal homepage.

Printed certificates for booster vaccinations are also available via the helpline for those who do not have access to a smartphone or computer. The helpline number is 0300 200 7814.

If you are a parent or guardian, travelling with children who have been vaccinated, and need a certificate; go online to your nidirect account and select the option to apply on their behalf.

The COVIDCert NI app has both domestic and travel uses. While a paper-based alternative is available, the app provides easy to use proof of vaccine status.

Currently in NI, COVID certification is a legal requirement of entry for nightclubs and indoor unseated or partially seated events with 500 people or more. Options under the certification scheme include providing proof of two vaccine doses, confirmation from the NHS of a negative rapid antigen test lateral flow test, or official confirmation of a positive Covid-19 PCR between 30 days and 180 days ago.

While COVID certification is no longer legally required in pubs and licensed restaurants, its use is strongly encouraged in such settings under NI Executive guidance.