The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reacted to the European Commission’s recommendation that the digital COVID certificate limit its validity to 9 months, unless a booster dose is administered. IATA requests that the validity does not drop below 12 months.
Some countries, such as Uruguay, are already applying the 9-month validity.
According to IATA, in a statement on Friday, “the critical issue is vaccine validity and the requirement for booster vaccines.”
“If booster vaccines are required to maintain DCC validity, it is vital that states harmonize their approach to the time period allowed between full vaccination and the administration of the additional dose.” The nine months proposed by the Commission could prove insufficient, they argue. “It would be better to postpone this requirement until all states offer booster vaccinations to all citizens and to keep it valid for 12 months to give people more time to access a booster dose, given the different national vaccination approaches they adopt.”
Another element of concern mentioned by IATA is the Commission’s recommendation that travelers vaccinated with a non-EU approved vaccine present a negative PCR test before departure; this will discourage travel from many parts of the world where infection rates are low, but the population has been vaccinated with WHO-approved vaccines that have not yet obtained regulatory approval in the EU.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IATA requesting regarding the COVID certificate?IATA is requesting that the digital COVID certificate’s validity remain at least 12 months, instead of the 9 months proposed by the European Commission.
Why does IATA believe 9 months is insufficient?IATA argues that 9 months does not provide enough time for citizens to access booster doses, given the variations in national vaccination strategies.
What concerns does IATA have regarding non-EU approved vaccines?IATA warns that requiring PCR tests for those vaccinated with WHO-approved but non-EU-approved vaccines will discourage international travel.