How do I get a vaccine passport in Scotland? How to get vaccination status QR code - and where you need it

The Scottish government intends to introduce a vaccination certification scheme, it has been announced.

Under the government’s new rules, people will need to show proof of being double jabbed in order to visit nightclubs or attend large events.

As case numbers continue to grow in Scotland, the vote on whether or not the vaccine passports will officially be implemented will take place next week.

This is what you need to know.

What did Nicola Sturgeon say about vaccine passports?

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that the government believes that “a limited use of vaccine certification in certain higher risk settings” could help keep businesses open and prevent future lockdowns as autumn and winter approaches.

She said: “They will be for use in very limited settings and never for public services such as transport, hospitals and education.

“This is a significant step forward and not a decision we have taken lightly but it is in line with certification in other European countries.

“The original protective measures such as wearing a face covering, physical distancing, hand washing and isolating when necessary are still key to reducing prevalence of the virus but getting vaccinated remains the single most important step that any of us can take to keep ourselves and others safe.”

What is the Covid-19 vaccination certification scheme?

The scheme will require proof of Covid-19vaccination in certain “higher risk venues”, such as nightclubs, music festivals and some football grounds, if Parliament backs the move in vote planned for next week.

Proof of vaccination would be required later this month to enter:

• Nightclubs and adult entertainment venues
• Unseated indoor live events, with more than 500 people in the audience 
• Unseated outdoor live events, with more than 4,000 people in the audience
• Any event, of any nature, which has more than 10,000 people in attendance

The Scottish government website states that there are “currently no plans to introduce certification for the wider hospitality industry but this will be kept under review over the autumn and winter months”.

How do I get my vaccine passport?

From Friday 3 September, QR codes will be added to all records of vaccination, and those over the age of 16 will be able to download a PDF version of their vaccination status online.

You can access this PDF by logging into the NHS Scotland vaccination website using your unique username and password, which you can find on your vaccination letter. Once signed in, you should be able to view your vaccination status, and also request a paper copy if you wish to.

If you’ve requested a paper copy of your vaccination status, the NHS Scot inform site says that you should allow at least 14 days for your letter to arrive in the post.

If you have not received a unique username you can sign up for one by using the “recover username” option. If you have a username but have forgotten your password, you can also select the “forgotten your password” option as well.

Those aged 12 to 15 can request a copy of vaccination status by calling the Covid-19 status helpline on 0808 196 8565. The helpline is open every day from 10am to 6pm.

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