NHS app gains 2.7m users as people rush to show Covid vaccine status

The NHS app has gained an additional 2.7 million users since a new version of the app has allowed people to show whether they have received the coronavirus vaccine.

The app, separate from the NHS Covid-19 app, began enabling people to show proof that they had received the vaccine from 17 May, in order to travel internationally or attend sporting events, such as Wimbledon and Euro 2020 matches. The app already had other functions in order to access medical services, such as booking GP appointments.

Between 17 May and 14 June, almost 5 million distinct users logged on to the app, with the Department of Health and Social Care stating that more than 6 million users had been reached in total.

The health secretary, Matt Hancock, said: “Technology undoubtedly plays a huge role in how we deliver healthcare now and in the future and it is great to see so many people downloading, using and benefiting from the NHS app.

“It is vital we embrace the momentum we have built in using technology and innovation in the health and care sector over the last year as we look beyond the pandemic to improve treatment, care and the experiences of patients.”

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The surge in app downloads also led to an increase in the numbers of people registering their preference for organ donation within the app. More than 51,000 records were added, over five times more than in April.

Over the past month, about 614,000 repeat prescriptions were ordered and 50,000 GP appointments were made.

The app also allows users to display the results of any recent coronavirus tests. This means that those who are yet to be vaccinated can take a lateral flow test and record the results on the app before attending a venue.

Matthew Gould, the chief executive of the NHS’s digital innovation unit NHSX, said: “The Covid-19 status service was stood up in weeks, by a team working flat out to deliver on time an important service for users.

“It has been good to see it used to open up sporting events, facilitate travel, and encourage the use of NHS services online.”