THE UK Government is reportedly looking to make third vaccine doses a mandatory requirement for vaccine passports in England – making three jags necessary to be able to access large venues or enjoy quarantine-free travel.
According to The Times, ministers discussed the plans on Tuesday amid fears the booster roll-out in England has stalled.
At present in England, vaccine passports are required for nightclubs, indoor unseated venues of more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues of more than 4000 people, and any venue with more than 10,000 people.
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People must show their NHS Covid Pass confirming they have had two doses of the vaccine, or alternatively a negative PCR or LFT result from the last 48 hours. They can also present proof of a medical exemption.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid is said to be among those strongly backing the idea of expanding the vaccine passport requirement from two to three doses – while no decision has officially been made, sources said they believe the move may be inevitable.
The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment. In December, Scotland added the third vaccine dose to vaccine passports, but it is not currently required for access to venues which ask for certification on arrival.
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Large events are cancelled and nightclubs are closed under current restrictions in Scotland.
A UK Government source told the newspaper: “The Prime Minister is very open to it … Both Chris [Whitty] and Patrick [Vallance] were supportive. This is about incentivising people to get their jabs.”
When vaccine passports were voted on in the Commons, Johnson faced a huge Tory rebellion – relying on Labour votes to avoid defeat.
Vaccine passports in England are only meant to be in place until January 26, so expanding the remit of the scheme may cause concern among Conservative backbenchers.
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