Digital Vaccine Certificates 'Towards End Of October'

The temporary QR code system for fully vaccinated islanders to get into bars, restaurants and shopping centres in France has been extended while work continues on a digital vaccine certificate.

Islanders planning to go to France need to request a QR code through the coronavirus helpline on 0800 735 5566.

It will be emailed and can be scanned into the country's 'Pass Sanitaire'  app.

The government says a digital system to prove full vaccination should be launched 'towards the end of October'.

All Islanders who have been vaccinated will continue to receive a paper COVID-19 status certificate after their second dose.

It is accepted in the UK and for international travel.

 “Our teams are working hard to deliver a suitable and effective COVID-19 vaccine certification system that can be used in the UK and France.

We have adjusted the delivery timeline to ensure our implementation is aligned with the UK’s digital solution, which will see the UK enter the EU Covid Status Certification Scheme. This will allow for Jersey’s QR codes to work across EU countries." - Senator Ian Gorst, External Relations Minister.

The digital certificate will be an online system that can be accessed via smartphone, tablet or laptop.

"From there you will be able to download a QR code with your vaccination status in it and save that for whatever use you need it, for example in France or for border travel."  - Graham Ramsden, the government's head of Corporate Change Delivery.

Jersey has now administered 150,000 vaccines.

The Chief Minister will make an announcement this week about the island's plans for dealing with coronavirus throughout the winter.

It is expected to include details of a booster programme.

“We are aware that the UK will release their COVID-19 winter strategy, and we have been planning our own announcement for later this week. Although rates of infection in Jersey are likely to rise and fall perhaps several times over autumn and winter, we are in a very good place and our successful vaccination programme has changed our strategy towards COVID-19.

The Competent Authority Ministers (CAM) have been meeting over recent months to develop our plans for the coming winter, on the advice of Public Health and the Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell (STAC). Plans include a provision for COVID-19 boosters and guidance on how we can all play our part in minimising risk. I will be making an announcement with full details of our plans at a press conference in the next few days.” - Senator John Le Fondre

Senator John Le Fondre has also said that an update will be given this week on whether the jab will be offered to all 12-15 year olds.

“We are aware of the advice that the Chief Medical Officers in the UK have issued to their ministers and Secretaries of State on the universal vaccination of 12 to 15 year olds. Relevant authorities in Jersey will be meeting this week to consider this advice and a further update will be given shortly.” 

The UK's Chief Medical Officers are recommending a single dose of Pfizer.  

Young teens in England will be offered the jab from from next week.

Boris Johnson will set out his winter Covid plan at a press conference today (14 September)