Please sign in to post.

Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) Requirements for Italy?

Hi All,
I've been searching through the posts regarding boosters and haven't found an answer to my question (if you do, please let me know). Does anyone know what the requirements are for traveling through passport control in Zurich to Italy with the J&J? It seems that the J&J and J&J booster (we've had both) are considered fully vaccinated in some countries, but not boosted, and perhaps the booster must be an mRNA. I understand that current regulations can change by the time we travel to Italy in September.

Thanks!
Sheila

Posted by
8103 posts

Here is a link to the IATA site, it is pretty dependable, you can also find an official Italian site.

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php

But from what I am seeing, they just require a "booster" and do not specify what type, and so far, there is no expiration on the booster.

For reference, the J&J is the same as the Janssen.

Posted by
62 posts

Hi Paul,
I appreciate the link and I looked through it. I still seem to be missing the clarification on whether or not J&J/Janssen is accepted with just 2 shots, or if we need shot #3.

Posted by
8103 posts

No personal experience, but I believe most everyone is familiar with the one shot regimen for J&J, and the dates likely are 6 months or more apart, indicating a booster. At the most, you may have to point out "Janssen and Booster". I know when I was in Italy in September the CDC card threw them a bit at first, but I found out pointing to the doses and saying "Pfizer e Pfizer" took away any confusion.

Edit: I guess one other thing I am not familiar with is the current guidance on J&J boosters, but I do not believe a second booster (third shot) has been authorized except for high risk people.

Posted by
10255 posts

Just for info, a "booster" shot of Janssen would not get one considered as fully vaccinated for entering into France. France is very specific that the booster must be an mRNA vaccine.

I know this doesn't matter a hill of beans for your query for Italy, but I put the info for anyone else reading this thread to know that some countries do indeed make a distinction. (Now, I France, the only practical effect today of not being able to prove you are fully boosted is that you would need to provide negative test results to board your flight.)

Posted by
1262 posts

Just 2 shots would not be considered fully vaccinated in Germany either, and you would need a negative test just to transit through. 3 doses would be much better, and either a Pfizer or Moderna one. If you aren't going until September you have time. Also for Italy some have said the people checking the CDC cards at entry to some sites are checking to make sure you've had 3 shots. With only 2 you may be denied entry. Again though, if you aren't going until September you have time.

Posted by
8999 posts

Would it help to refer to the Pfizer as Biontech, as that is what its called over there?

Posted by
62 posts

Just a quick update, I read through the following links to find information regarding Jcovden (formally Janssen). When I looked at the equivalent to Pzifer and Moderna, I noticed that they say "two injections" where as Jcovden does not. So while the information is still not clear or consistent with whether establishments will acknowledge my CDC vaccine card that shows only 2 Janssen injections vs 3 injections, we we need to wait and see what happens in the next few months. I'm still interested in hearing from any recent traveler to Italy who has had the J&J series. Please note that we are currently not considering an mRNA booster at this point, and it will depend on what the travel requirements will be. Grazie!!

https://infocovid.viaggiaresicuri.it/returningtoitaly.html
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory/overview/public-health-threats/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/treatments-vaccines/vaccines-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines-authorised#authorised-covid-19-vaccines-section