With various Covid vaccines out in full force, there definitely is a light at the end of what has been a very long and dark tunnel. Or for a more appropriate analogy, the sighting of a bright light opening into smoothe air after an extended period of windshear, heavy rain and turbulence, whilst managing an engine failure and an incapacitated co-pilot. I think the gist has been comprehended.
Can I be vaccinated?
A recurring question recently has been whether or not Pilots can get inoculated with the Covid-19 vaccine. Currently there are no known restrictions imposed by airline authorities preventing aircrew from getting the Covid 19 vaccine, provided they have been authorised by the respective medicines authority agency of each state. The limiting factor that seems to be dictating the specified uptake of vaccinations is each Government’s modus operandi for their prioritisation structure of which demographic groups get them and when and also the schedule of doses. In the U.K currently, at the time of this article being published, vaccinations are being scheduled with a 1st dose priority approach, which means the main focus is to inoculate all of the high risk categories with the first dose and utilise the maximum allowable gap between the 2nd dose. This is to speed up the rate of uptake. Presently, vaccines have been prioritised for front-line healthcare staff, including care workers, those in care homes and over 80s. Once these categories had been vaccinated with the first dose, then the next categories were eligible, such as over 75s, over 70s etc. There is a target to have all U.K adults vaccinated by 31st July 2021. Each nation will have their own structure and method.
Various airlines around the world have already begun vaccinating their Crew and Pilots, some as a mandatory requirement, with one certain Middle Eastern airline recently having announced the vaccination of all of their operating crew, whilst another certain carrier in the same region operating their first flight where every employee had been vaccinated. A major U.S carrier has stated that while it will not force its crew to be vaccinated, employees may do so, but in their own time. As we have seen with this pandemic, things can change pretty quickly and so it could soon become a common theme amongst airlines that all employees are vaccinated as a requirement.
What do the authorities say?
According to the UK CAA, there are currently no restrictions on a Pilot being vaccinated. Their guidance is as follows: 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.
EASA states that: As certain Covid vaccines were approved for use in Europe, by the European Medicines Agency, AMEs should inform their applicants that subject to national prioritisation, when Covid vaccines become available for various categories of aeronautical personnel.According to EASA, under EU aviation medicine rules, as detailed in Annex IV –Part-MED of Regulation (EU) 1178/2011and Annex IV –Part ATCO.MED of Regulation (EU)2015/340, there are no regulatory restrictions preventing aviation personnel subject to medical certification to get inoculated with the vaccine currently approved by EMA.
So what now? And what about Vaccine Passports?
Currently, as the UKCAA, EASA, FAA and UAE-GCAA have no restrictions on Pilots being vaccinated, nor does it go against your medical guidelines, providing the vaccines have been authorised by the national medicines authorities, it is currently up to each airline to lay out its specific guidelines on its employees to have the Covid 19 vaccine, be it optional or mandatory. One could argue that Pilots and Crew are key workers, on the frontline of face-to-face contact, travelling across countries and so should be given priority.
In terms of it being a mandatory requirement and adopting vaccine passports, there are arguments for and against. On one hand, as Aircrew are always on the frontline and frequently travelling, thus being potentially exposed to the virus, as well as being possible “spreaders”, being vaccinated could be seen as a health and safety requirement to fulfill duties safely for all of those involved, including passengers and general public. For example, currently, most airlines require their Crew and Pilots to have a Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate prior to starting, as part of their contract of employment, as the high risk countries won't allow entry without one. One the other hand, having a vaccine passport, from an ethical and human rights standpoint, could be seen as a limitation on freedoms and personal choice. Also, some may argue that they are allergic to certain components of the vaccine, or have rare adverse reactions to vaccinations, such as anaphylaxis.
It will always be a tricky subject, but could it be argued that it's each individual's choice as to what profession they wish to take up and so if the job role requires certain criteria, then those mandatory requirements have to be adhered to, especially when health and safety of all involved are at risk. It is similar when it comes to holidays as well, with talks of vaccine passports being required to enter different countries for tourism and business. If each Government mandates that all visitors must have one in order to enter, just like having a normal passport, then it must be respected if we wish to visit, which of course is our choice to go on holiday.
It is clear that the only way out of this whole pandemic is through vaccines, just like with previous pandemics. Medicine is crucial for the survival and progression of the human race, and this Covid situation can be seen as just another hurdle in history that must be and will be jumped over. The quicker we can get through this, the sooner we can reopen society again and continue doing what we all love and that is jumping inside an airplane and seeing the world from above.
For further clarity on each state, please make sure that you contact your local Civil Aviation Authority and/ or AME for specific and up-to-date guidance. The Pilot Network Team are not qualified medical practitioners so if you are having a vaccine, please consult your GP/health adviser for any queries or information regarding vaccine specifics and individual health.
Thank you for reading,
The Pilot Network Team
