Since the vaccination protection wears off after a few months according to current scientific knowledge, the former Minister of Health Jens Spahn had already announced that the digital vaccination certificate should lose its validity after a while.
Now the decision has been made. Without a booster, EU vaccination certificates will be invalid in the European Union nine months after the basic immunization against the coronavirus. The decision will come into force on February 1, as the EU Commission announced on Tuesday.
EU vaccination certificate: only valid for 9 months
The vaccination certificates issued so far, which were made with a mobile phone app such as CovPass, the Corona warning app or Luca can be saved and presented are limited to twelve months.
According to the EU Commission, booster vaccinations are recommended no later than six months after the complete vaccination. The vaccination certificate should be valid for three more months before it expires, so that you have enough time to get a booster vaccination.
Member states can theoretically continue to require additional tests for entry. However, you are requested to adhere to the agreements, according to which freedom of movement should not be restricted “disproportionately”. How long simplified travel in the EU is guaranteed with a booster vaccination has not yet been regulated.
How long is my vaccination certificate still valid?
The official apps currently show the old, twelve-month validity. However, it can be assumed that an update will be made shortly that will limit the validity of the digital evidence to nine months.
If you want to know how long your personal vaccination certificate is still valid, you can check it directly in the app:
CovPass: Click under the QR code on “Show certificates” and there on the latest saved vaccination certificate. You now come to the detailed view. At the bottom you can see the “technical expiry date” with the note that you should try to get a new digital certificate issued in good time.
Corona warning app: Call up the vaccination certificate and click on the displayed QR code with your finger. Now click on the currently used certificate at the bottom to get to the detailed view. At the bottom you can see the “technical expiry date” with the note that you should try to get a new digital certificate issued in good time.