SIB on Crew Vaccinations

With the level of vacciantions picking up speed, EASA has published a Safety Information Bulletin containing operational recommendations related to the vaccination of air crew (pilots and cabin crew). Check out the SIB at the link, read the recommendations and take the action needed for your organisation. 

The Recommendations: 

You can read the full text in the SIB, but the recommendations for organsations are: 

1. Vaccinations of flight crew. Due to their increased exposure, it is highly recommended for aircrew members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they become available in accordance with the national COVID-19 vaccine roll-out plan.
2. Post vaccination return to operations. Operators and aircrew members should consider a waiting period of 48 hours after each dose of COVID-19 vaccine, before aircrew members should be engaged in any flight-related tasks in accordance with the privileges of their flight crew licence or cabin crew attestation. This interval could be extended to 72 hours for aircrew members performing single crew operations.
3. Managing side effects. Aircrew members are advised to consult with their AME in case side effects persist for more than 48 hours following the vaccination and, in consultation with the AME, extend the waiting period until the time when the side effects completely disappear.
4. Link to medical rules. Aircrew members are reminded to give proper consideration to the requirements of MED.A.020- Decrease in medical fitness and the corresponding GM1 MED.A.020.
5. Advice for AMEs. AMEs and AeMCs performing medical examinations of aircrew should encourage consultation regarding the indication and side effects of vaccination.
6. Authorities and waiting periods. NCAs should avoid implementing different waiting periods between aircrew vaccination and flying duties, unless duly justified by medical publications regarding the COVID-19 vaccines’ adverse reactions from EMA, WHO, ECDC or EASA. Furthermore, in such cases NCAs should consult EASA prior implementation different waiting periods.
7. Oversight. NCAs are recommended to consider the above-mentioned recommendations in the context of their oversight activities.