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09
Jul 2021
Travel concerns have been raised over Indian-manufactured AstraZeneca vaccine batches which have been given out in the Harrogate district.
The Indian version of the jab, known as Covishield and made by the Serum Institute of India, is not currently recognised by the European Union’s passport scheme.
The vaccine conforms to medical standards but did not get the right paperwork for Europe so has thrown into doubt travel plans for millions of people across the UK.
Tim Stokes, a caterer from Harrogate, is one of those who received the a vaccine from the Indian-manufactured batch.
He said he received his vaccine at the Yorkshire Showground site.
While he has not yet booked a holiday, Mr Stokes said he would think twice before looking to take a break abroad.
He said:
Mr Stokes added he was concerned that if the vaccine was not recognised then it would require him to isolate upon arrival.
Around five million British people have had the vaccine, which has not yet been authorised by the European Medicines Agency for use on the EU Digital covid certificate.
Some of the batches of the vaccine have been given at the Yorkshire Showground vaccination site.
Meanwhile, other countries such as Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Greece, Ireland and Spain have already approved the Covishield vaccine for travel.
Estonia, Switzerland and Iceland have also said they will recognise the vaccine.
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