Question reference: S6W-03694
- Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 12 October 2021
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Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 20 November 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how people who are seeking asylum but are without a passport or driving licence can access proof of vaccination through its COVID-19 vaccination status app, and whether improving such access will be considered a matter of priority when developing updates.
Answer
The vaccine offer is universal in Scotland. For asylum-seekers who have received COVID-19 vaccines in Scotland, they can request their record of vaccination be sent to them by calling the Freephone COVID-19 Status Helpline on 0808 196 8565.
These paper certificates are fully equivalent to the certificates provided via the app, and can be used for access to domestic venues and will also permit smoother inbound entry to the UK. The Scottish Government have published ‘ Vaccine certification scheme – information for business and event organisers ’; ‘ Vaccine certification scheme – information for customers ’; and a ‘ toolkit ’ which provides guidance and example certificates, so venues are fully aware that they should be accepting the certificate issued to medically exempt individuals for entry to their venue or event.
Security features of the COVID Status Certificate App includes an automated user identification and verification process to allow access to sensitive personal medical information. If a user does not have the required photo ID they cannot use the app.