Vaccine status drives over one million new users to the NHS App
Over 1.3 million new people have registered to use the UK’s NHS App since the addition of ‘Covid-19 vaccine status’ was announced on 7 May
The app allows easy access to the holder’s coronavirus vaccination status for travel and wider NHS services. Over 90,000 new people have ordered repeat prescriptions via the app, for example, saving clinicians and patients valuable time.
The app, which now has over 4.8 million registered users, is one of the first internationally compliant systems in the world to demonstrate vaccine status. The Covid-19 vaccine status service allows users easily to show their proof of vaccine, if required, for international travel, and has been designed in line with World Health Organization interim guidance.
Boost will have lifesaving benefits
Since 17 May, people have logged into the NHS App more than four million times. The boost in downloads will have lifesaving benefits, as over 11,483 additional people registered their preference for organ donation via the NHS App in just four days. People are also accessing services more easily, with nearly 90,000 people using the app to order repeat prescriptions since Monday.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock, said: “The strides in technology and innovation we’ve made throughout the pandemic are having real consequences beyond fighting this virus – they’re making treatment, diagnosis and care better for patients.”
Minister for Innovation, Lord Bethell, added: “It’s great to see so many more people using the NHS App – it allows people to easily access their Covid-19 vaccine status, as well as easier access to NHS services. It’s a prime example of how technology is making the health service faster and easier to use.”