Covid Exemptions

COVID Pass medical exemptions: proving you are unable to get vaccinated or tested

The government has published guidance on how people can apply for official proof that, for medical reasons, they are unable to be vaccinated and/or tested for COVID-19. The possible reasons for exemptions are limited, and include:

  • People receiving end of life care where vaccination is not in the person’s best interests

  • People with learning disabilities or autistic individuals or people with a combination of impairments where vaccination cannot be provided through reasonable adjustments

  • A person with severe allergies (i.e anaphylaxis requiring adrenaline) to all currently available vaccines

  • Those who have had significant adverse reactions to the first dose (for example, myocarditis) meaning that further vaccinations may not be possible

Short-term exemptions will also be available for those with short-term medical conditions.

All exemptions will be confirmed by a doctor, specialist clinician or midwife and, if approved, your NHS COVID Pass can then be used wherever you need to prove your COVID-19 status within England.

 

How to apply for and receive your COVID Pass medical exemption

  1. Phone the NHS COVID Pass service on 119 to ask for an NHS COVID Pass medical exemptions application form.

  • your name

  • your date of birth

  • your NHS number (if you know it)

  • the name of your GP and/or specialist clinician

  •  

    You can also call to find out more information about COVID Pass medical exemptions.

    The call handler at the NHS COVID Pass service will ask you some questions. You will need to give:

2. If you’re eligible to apply, you’ll get an application form by post.

You should not ask your GP for an application form. If you do go to your GP before you get your application form you’ll be asked to call the NHS COVID pass service on 119.

3. Return your application form to the GP or relevant clinician stated on the form. Your application will be clinically reviewed by your doctor, specialist or midwife. Your GP, specialist or midwife may ask to speak with you if needed, but you won’t need to book this when you submit your application.

4. You’ll automatically get the results of your application by post 2 to 3 weeks after applying. You don’t need to contact your GP or the clinician reviewing your exemption unless they ask you to contact them.

5. If you get a medical exemption you can use the domestic NHS COVID Pass wherever you need to.

The pass won’t show others that you have a medical exemption, just that you have the NHS COVID Pass.

You can access your NHS COVID Pass digitally – on the NHS app or the NHS website. You can also download it as a pdf.

The paper version of the pass will be available soon.

Find out more about the NHS COVID Pass on the NHS website.

6. The clinical decision on your medical exemption is final. You can’t appeal the decision.

Receiving an exemption does not mean you are protected against COVID-19. You should self-isolate if you have any symptoms of COVID-19

Updated 12 Nov 21 14:50

Published: Nov 12, 2021