The amendments are based on the recommendations of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to get a booster shot no later than six months after the end of the initial course of vaccination. Thereafter, the certificate is valid for another three months to allow time to get a booster shot. The amendment takes into consideration the efficacy of the vaccines against new strains and influences people to get a booster shot, which, according to current data, provides a very good protection against the omicron strain.
In particular, the government stipulates with the amendments of the orders that for the certificate to be valid, the course of vaccination has to have taken place no more than 270 days ago. According to current arrangements, the validity period of additional vaccines or booster shots in Estonia is one year.
The vaccination course is complete when two doses of Pfizer/BioNTech’s Comirnaty or two doses of AstraZeneca’s Vaxzevria or two doses of Moderna’s Spikevax or one dose of Janssen’s vaccine is administered. People who have recovered from COVID will only get one dose during the initial vaccination course.
The vaccination certificate can be created at Patient Portal after getting the last dose or shot. However, the control application allows people to partake in inspected events only after achieving maximum protection, which is, depending on the vaccine, 7 to 14 days after vaccination. There is no delay time for booster shots and it is possible to take part in inspected events right after getting the certificate.
A uniform validity period of COVID certificate for travelling was agreed upon at the EU level in December. This provides an easier and clearer coordination of travelling measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus. The 270-day validity period applies across the European Union after completing the initial course of vaccination. Validity period of the booster shot certificate is not regulated at the EU level. Discussions for a common solution at the EU level are ongoing.
The COVID certificate grants access to cultural, sports, and entertainment events, and for spending time on-site catering establishments, and also for all other organised events. The certificate enables convenient travelling. With the certificate, the quarantine period for close contact does not apply, although it is strongly recommended to self-isolate after close contact and monitor health.
The government communication office publishes the order and an explanatory statement on the following page: kriis.ee.
