Vaccine certificates to be linked with Indian passports

The government of India has decided to link the vaccine certificates with the passport of people interested to go abroad for various reasons. It has been decided that CoWin vaccination certificates for Indians going abroad, and those who are part of the Tokyo Olympic team will be linked to their passports. Indians going abroad for education, or work opportunities are permitted to take their second dose after 28 days.

On Monday, the Union Health Ministry said in a statement, "Taking note of the several representations received by the Union Health Ministry for allowing administration of the second dose of Covishield for such persons who have only taken the first dose of Covishield and are seeking to undertake international travel for educational purposes or employment opportunities or as part of India's contingent for Tokyo Olympic games, but whose planned travel dates fall prior to completion of the currently mandated minimum interval of 84 days from the date of the first dose."

"With a view to providing full coverage of vaccination and facilitating international travel for such genuine reasons, the following procedure shall be
followed for administration of second dose of Covishield vaccine for such beneficiaries. This special dispensation will be available to:
1. Students who have to undertake foreign travel for the purposes of education.
2. Persons who have to take up jobs in foreign countries.
3. Athletes, sports persons and accompanying staff of Indian contingent attending International Olympic Games be held in Tokyo," said the Centre.

"This facility shall be available to those who need to undertake international travel for these specified purposes in the period up to 31st August, 2021.
All technical protocols as prescribed in the Guidelines of the Ministry regarding COVID Vaccination Centres and AEFI management etc. shall have be followed,"
said the Centre.