Following the surge of multiple new variants in United States and across Europe, many countries have imposed tighter travel restrictions. And this includes governments determining which COVID-19 vaccines are deemed acceptable for travel to or within their borders. Naturally, all that back-and-forth on which COVID-19 shots are approved, which have limited use, and which are just flat out not accepted has caused confusion. So here’s an easy-to-digest update:
Oxford/AstraZeneca
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved.
- Approved for those 18 years old and above (however, younger people advised to opt for other vaccines due to blood clot reports). Some countries limit inoculations with the AstraZeneca vaccine to those above 30 or even 50.
- Complete vaccination (two doses) will allow recipients to travel to and among European countries hassle-free.
- Yet to be approved by the US’ Food and Drug Administration, restricting people vaccinated with AstraZeneca from entering the country and the movement of those already in the country.
- If you’re in Malaysia and intend to get inoculated with the AstraZeneca vaccine, here’s what you need to know.
- The AstraZeneca vaccine is accepted in 117 countries.
Pfizer/BioNTech
- EMA approved.
- Has been approved for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and for anyone 12 years old and above.
- Complete vaccination (two doses) will allow its recipients from green list countries (Australia, Singapore, Brunei, Iceland, and more) with relaxed entry procedures upon arrival.
- The Pfizer vaccine is accepted in 90 countries.
Sinovac
- Approved by the World Health Organization for emergency use.
- Approved for 18-year-old and above.
- Not accepted in the US, Western Europe, and also Saudi Arabia (which may pose a problem for those wishing to perform the Hajj).
- Only accepted in 33 countries.
Johnson & Johnson/Janssen
- EMA approved.
- Approved for those 18 years old and above (women below 50 advised to be made aware of blood clot risks, before getting the vaccine).
- Only a single dose of this vaccine is required.
- This vaccination will allow travellers to enter European countries as well as the US.
- This vaccine is currently accepted in 52 countries.
Moderna
- EMA approved.
- Approved for those 18 years old and above, and also for nursing/expectant mothers.
- Complete vaccination (two doses) will allow travellers to enter European countries and the US.
- The Moderna vaccine is accepted in 53 countries.
The vaccines that are yet to be included in this list are Covishield, Covaxin, and Sputnik V. Those inoculated with these three vaccines are going to be barred from entering most European countries and the US as they’ve not been recognised worldwide.
Meanwhile, researchers are conducting studies such as the ‘mix and match’ of the Oxford/AstraZeneca and Pfizer jabs that’s rumoured to strengthen antibodies and immune systems against COVID-19 to help ease the pandemic globally.
