The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022 and The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2022: equality impact assessment

Increasing accessibility

Paper vaccine certificate: in order to ensure Covid Status Certification is accessible to all and to mitigate against digital exclusion, which is higher among older people, disabled people and some minority ethnic groups. We have translated documents that explain what is shown on your Certificate into different languages and formats, including Easy Read, audio and Braille.

The Covid-19 Status Helpline: to ensure that those who do not have digital access have a route to request their vaccination record. The helpline is also be available for people who cannot verify their identity on the App. The Covid-19 Status Helpline is free and open every day from 10:00-18:00 on 0808 196 8565.

A Resolver Group: has been established by NHS National Services Scotland to resolve any reported inaccuracies in vaccination records and wider issues relating to acquiring Covid Vaccine Certificate. Any requests for support can be escalated through the Covid-19 Status Helpline.

Communications and marketing: the implementation of Covid Status Certification is being supported by a range of communications and marketing resources and activity to help people understand where the scheme has been introduced, for what purpose and how to gain certification. This will provide information about identifying and avoiding scams and phishing attempts, and will take the opportunity to reinforce messaging that vaccination data will not be shared with the Home Office or impact on immigration status, unless shared by the data subject themselves (e.g. when they go on holiday) or in exceptional circumstances when required by law. It will also provide information on and raise awareness of schemes like the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) and the Young Scot National Entitlement card.

We are building on learning across other materials, such as the Covid-19 Vaccine Explainer animations, and are currently developing a Covid Status Certification Summary Information Sheet which will include key messages and guidance on how to access translated information about Covid Status Certification. This Summary Sheet takes into account conversations with minority ethnic and seldom heard audiences and will address their specific concerns, such as data collection, usage and privacy. The Summary Information Sheet will be created in multiple languages and accessible formats.