‘Extreme pressure’ on vaccine pass system as holidaymakers struggle

A vaccine certification scheme for travellers was under “extreme pressure” yesterday as holidaymakers struggled with the “interim” system put in place by the Stormont health department.

In England, prospective tourists can use an ‘NHS Covid Pass’ available through a smartphone app, the NHS website, or a posted letter.

But the devolved administrations, including Northern Ireland, are still working on their own solutions.

The Stormont health department’s system is still not fully up-and-running but an interim scheme allowing travellers to download a certificate went live earlier this month.

But some people have experienced “difficulties”.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said: “The interim vaccine certification system is currently under extreme pressure and users are asked to be patient.

“We are aware that some users are experiencing difficulties and we are working at pace to find a resolution to these issues.