Updated Covid digital certificates are arriving in people’s email accounts from this afternoon, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has confirmed.

The process for these new digital Covid certificates to arrive will take a number of days, so those who have received a reminder are advised to check their email.

Why are these newly updated certificates required?

Due to a decision by the European Commission, the lifespan of the current EU Covid digital certificates would only be valid for nine months after the end of the two-dose primary treatment.

“The new rules will ensure restrictions are based on the best available scientific evidence as well as objective criteria,” the Commission said in December.

“Further coordination is essential to the functioning of the single market and will bring clarity to EU citizens in exercising their right to free movement.”

Speaking about the updated Covid digital certificates, Minister of Health Stephen Donnelly said: “I am very pleased to announce that after working with partners across government, the EU COVID digital certificates will be updated to reflect additional vaccine doses.

“Those who received an additional dose can expect to start receiving their updated certificate within the next week.”

If you haven’t received your updated certificate, one week after the start of the process (next Thursday), someone can use the online self-service portal at gov.ie/dcc.

The need for an updated Digital Covid Cert for other activities such as indoor dining is not foreseen by the government.