EU Digital COVID Certificate: Commission adopts new rules exempting minors from 270-day acceptance period of vaccination certificates

Today, the Commission adopted new rules on the vaccination certificate under the EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation. The new rules exempt minors from the acceptance period of 270 days for vaccination certificates following the primary vaccination series. The standard acceptance period will thus be limited to persons aged 18 and above. While a booster from 12 years of age has been authorised following a recommendation from EMA, not all Member States are currently recommending to administer boosters to minors. 

Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, said: “One of the biggest benefits of the EU Digital COVID Certificate is its flexibility to adapt to new circumstances. Following discussions with Member States’ public health experts, we have decided that the vaccination certificates of minors should not expire. When travelling, they will be able to continue using the certificate received after the primary series of vaccination.” 

Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, said: “The pandemic is still with us, and vaccination remains crucial. Our message has not changed: get vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible. Vaccination saves lives and is key for all of us.” The exemption for persons under the age of 18 will be implemented at verification-level by adapting the mobile applications used to verify EU Digital COVID Certificates. Member States must implement the necessary technical adaptations to apply this exemption by 6 April 2022. More information on the EU Digital COVID Certificate can be found on the dedicated website.