England Residents: Vaccine Exemptions

[Rhys]

In England, it is possible to apply for official proof that, for medical reasons, you're unable to be vaccinated (or even tested) for COVID-19.

If you get this proof of medical exemption you’ll be able to use the NHS COVID Pass wherever you need to prove your COVID-19 status.

Reasons for exemptions are limited, but one such exemption includes “a person with severe allergies to all currently available vaccines”.

The following is from the government's leaflet for UK residents

COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2 should not be given
• if you are allergic to the active substance or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). Signs of an allergic reaction may include itchy skin rash, shortness of breath and swelling of the face or tongue. Contact your doctor or healthcare professional immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have an allergic reaction. It can be life-threatening.

Section 6 Ingredients are listed as:

• ALC-0315 = (4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate)
• ALC-0159 = 2[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide,
• 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
• cholesterol
• potassium chloride
• potassium dihydrogen phosphate
• sodium chloride
• disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate
• sucrose

Perhaps if you’ve ever had a severe allergic reaction or breathing problems after any other vaccine injection in the past, you could be eligible to apply.

It’s worth noting that the pass won’t show others that you have a medical exemption, just that you have the NHS COVID Pass.

Good luck