Covid certificates now include booster shots, 9-month validity

The Portuguese booster jab has been integrated into vaccination certificates, which are now valid for nine months, according to the health authority (DGS).

According to information updated by the DGS, there will be a validity period indicating the primary vaccination scheme: 1/1 (for single-dose vaccines or those who have recovered from infection) and 2/2 (for two-dose vaccines) in the European Union as of February 1.

“Vaccination certificates attesting to the completion of the primary vaccination scheme will be accepted up to 270 days (nine months) after the date of administration of the dose that completed the primary vaccination scheme,” indicates the information updated by the health authority, adding that “vaccination certificates attesting to the administration of booster doses will not be subject to a period of acceptance.”

As the rules on the use of the vaccination certificate vary between countries, the DGS recommends that travellers, check the entry rules in force in the destination country before travelling, through the Re-open EU portal and the websites of the respective authorities of the country.

In Portugal, only vaccination certificates that certify the full vaccination schedule of the holder, for at least 14 days, with vaccines from Janssen, Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna (Spikevax) or AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) are accepted.

The DGS information also explains that the booster dose administered after the primary vaccination scheme of two doses is shown on the certificate as scheme 3/3, after the primary vaccination scheme of one dose it is shown as scheme 2/1 and in those recovered from the infection, it appears as scheme 3/1.

It adds that it is possible to access the vaccination certificate with the indication of the booster dose 14 days after the date of administration and that during this period the previous vaccination certificate can be used.