Govt moves up third jab deadline under vaccine pass

The government is bringing forward the deadline for people to get their third Covid-19 jab by a month to May 31 under its vaccine pass scheme.

Announcing the decision on Sunday, officials said people have been actively getting vaccinated and there are enough jabs to inoculate everyone who are eligible by the deadline.

Officials also said people will have to get their third jab within six months of the second dose, down from the current nine months.

The vaccine passes of those who took the second jab less than six months before May 31 will still be deemed valid.

Authorities also updated the vaccine pass requirements for people who have recovered from Covid. They are not required to get the third jab if they have already been double-jabbed.

And from April 30, those who had received one jab before they caught Covid will need to get a second dose six months after recovery. This will not apply to those aged 12 to 17 who had received the BioNTech vaccine.

As for patients who had not been vaccinated, they would need to take the first dose six months after recovery.

Health authorities also said they are working on creating a QR code for people who have recovered, and it’s expected to be launched in May.

People need to get vaccinated to enter various premises under the vaccine pass scheme.