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Italy reconsiders cut to Covid vaccine pass validity for triple-jabbed

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Italy reconsiders cut to Covid vaccine pass validity for triple-jabbed
A person uses a pass verification application on a smartphone to check a health pass displayed on a smartphone in Amneville, eastern France, on July 22, 2021. - French cinemas, museums and sports venues began asking visitors to furnish proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative test as the country, rolled out a controversial vaccine passport system. Other measures to contain the surge in new cases include the reintroduction of rules requiring masks to be worn outdoors in hotspots such as the western coastal area around Bordeaux. (Photo by JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN / AFP)

Italy will slash the validity of its vaccine pass from nine to six months from February 1st, but the cut may not apply to those who have already had a booster amid concerns about the impact on tourism.

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**Note: This report is no longer being updated. Please see the latest news here.**

Proof of vaccination issued based on jabs administered more than six months ago will no longer be seen as valid under Italy’s Covid ‘green pass’ scheme from February 1st, under a change of rules announced at the end of December.

But the government is now reportedly reconsidering whether to apply the cut to vaccination certificates issued based on third or booster doses, amid widespread concern about how the rule change will impact those who had their booster earlier - particularly in the US or other countries which began administering third doses before Italy.

The rethink comes after regional authorities in Italy said the validity cut would have repercussions for the tourism industry, news agency Ansa reported on Monday.

The government’s move to cut validity is intended to push more people in Italy to get their third or booster jabs within six months after completion of the initial vaccination cycle.

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But it has caused widespread concern among those who were boosted early, as fourth doses are not available and Italy’s vaccine pass (referred to as a ‘super’ or ‘reinforced’ green pass) is required for access to everything from hotels and restaurants to public transport across the county.

EXPLAINED: How do Italy’s Covid vaccination rules apply to visitors?

Like a previous cut to the validity of vaccine passes (from 12 to nine months), it appears that that upcoming changes will apply equally to foreign and Italian vaccination certificates, and to new certificates as well as those issued before February 1st.

Find more information about Italy’s Covid-19 health restrictions on the Italian health ministry’s website (available in English).

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Anonymous 2022/01/24 13:33
They need to just make those who have the 3rd shot automatically have the supper green pass with no time limit. I had my 3rd shot at the end of August 2021.
Anonymous 2022/01/24 12:58
What they don't realise is that it's not just the ridiculous short validity of the green pass that will stop people coming, but it's applicability to all over 12s. People in the UK and US aren't going to vaccinate their kids just so they can go on holiday, they'll go somewhere else with more sense. If the Italians don't re-assess their entire attitude to the pandemic they'll inflict lasting harm that wont be easily fixed.
  • Anonymous 2022/01/24 14:19
    Completely agree. I am Swedish but partly live in Italy. Actually most of Europe is in some kind of hysteria. Covid is serious in some groups especially, but it is not the only thing. For once Sweden got something right, we seem to be one of few balanced countries. Anyhow, global economy a mess, the Italian one worse than that. They just need tourism not to go under completely. Confident there will be no limitation/long validity for third shot. They just need to penalise their own citizens a bit more first. Stupidity.
Anonymous 2022/01/24 12:43
Let's hope that common sense prevails. I had my booster dose at the beginning of November, so it will run out at the end of April & there is no chance of UK (at the moment) administering 4th doses. I have only managed to get to my property once over the past two years & was fervently hoping ( like everyone else ) that this year would be better. Fingers crossed!

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