NOTICE TO : CERTIFICATE OF VALIDATION HOLDERS; AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL LICENCE HOLDERS
Covid-19 Vaccine and Aviation Medical Certificate Status
While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to adversely affect the aviation world in many ways, the approval and rollout of viable vaccines has now started. Although the approval process for each vaccine continues to be rigorous, some States are taking a more cautious approach and requiring additional safety checks for licensed aviation personnel.
Flight Crew Licence Certificate of Validation (CoV) holders
Holders of an Overseas Territories CoV must make themselves aware of any restrictions placed on their medical certificate by the State of issue when receiving a vaccination against COVID-19.
The information produced by States is likely to be amended as more people receive the vaccine. An example below shows the current situation for medical certificates issued by the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Holders of FAA-issued Airman Medical Certificates or Medical Clearances may receive the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine; however, a 48-hour no fly/no safety related duty interval must be observed after each dose.
Note that this applies to both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines although it is likely that other vaccines will be added to the FAA advice as they are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
In the absence of any side-effects 12 hours after vaccination there are no restrictions to resuming flying or controlling duties. Should a pilot or ATCO develop a fever or feel unwell, whether associated with vaccination or not, they should not fly or control until symptoms have resolved and/or they have been cleared to fly by their AME/physician.
The CAA has not issued specific advice for COVID-19 vaccine but is retaining its existing restrictions for infectious disease vaccination.
Transport Canada (TC)
Transport Canada (TC) Civil Aviation Medicine (CAM) does not restrict or limit aviators from taking vaccines that have been approved by Health Canada. TC CAM, does not impose grounding periods for aviators who wish to take vaccines approved by Health Canada.
Although TC are not putting any additional restrictions in place there is a requirement that the medical certificate holder checks the Health Canada list of approved vaccines. At the time of issue of this notice the list only includes the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) Licence holders
Holders of an Overseas Territories ATC licence must make themselves aware of any restrictions placed on their medical certificate by the State of issue when receiving a vaccination against COVID-19.
The information produced by States is likely to be amended as more people receive the vaccine but as an example of the current status:
Medical Certificates issued directly under Overseas Territories Aviation Requirements (OTAR) Part 65 and Part 67
In the absence of any side-effects 12 hours after vaccination there are no restrictions to resuming controlling duties. Should an Air Traffic Controller develop a fever or feel unwell, whether associated with vaccination or not, they should not control until symptoms have resolved and/or they have been cleared by their Aeromedical Examiner.
Medical Certificates issued directly by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or used as the basis for the issue of a medical certificate under OTAR Part 65
Holders of FAA-issued Airman Medical Certificates or Medical Clearances may receive the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine; however, a 48-hour no fly/no safety related duty interval must be observed after each dose.
Note that this applies to both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines although it is likely that other vaccines will be added to the FAA advice as they are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)