The NHS Covid Pass is set to become mandatory for large venues and nightclubs under the Government's Plan B rules - but how do you access yours?

The NHS Covid Pass, which can be obtained by having two vaccines or a negative lateral flow test, will be introduced for entry into nightclubs and other large venues from December 15.

The new Plan B restrictions have been introduced to slow the spread of the Omicron variant, increasingly likely to take over from Delta as the dominant strain of coronavirus globally.

Other measures include guidance to work from home and the reintroduction of face masks in most indoor venues, including theatres and cinemas.

There were a total of 817 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in the UK as of Thursday, December 10, the UK Health Security Agency said.

Here's everything you need to know about the NHS Covid Pass if you're living in England.

When will I need an NHS Covid Pass?

The NHS Covid pass is set to be made mandatory in England for nightclubs and venues where large crowds gather, Boris Johnson has announced.

The new rules for nightclubs will come into force on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.

According to the Government, a large venue could be unseated indoor venues with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people, and any venue with more than 10,000 people.

How do I get my NHS Covid Pass?

The passes can be downloaded from the NHS app and saved onto mobile phones or saved as a PDF and printed off, the NHS website reads. 

The NHS Covid Pass lasts for 30 days.

This simple video from the NHS shows exactly how to open up your Covid Pass via the app - as well as how it looks and when to present it.

You can also use the online NHS COVID Pass service via the NHS website - meaning you can download your digital NHS COVID Pass and print it out.

If you cannot apply digitally using the NHS App or online service, you can ask for an NHS COVID Pass letter to be sent to you in the post.

You can apply for the letter version of the NHS Covid Pass online via the NHS website.

Alternatively, you can ask for a letter by calling the NHS on 119 or +44 151 905 0119 if you're overseas (though the latter number will charge you according to your carrier's rates).

Will booster jabs show in the NHS Covid Pass?

Booster vaccinations do not show in the NHS COVID Pass letter- but they do show in the digital NHS COVID Pass, via the app or PDF versions.

How long is the digital NHS Covid Pass valid for?

The NHS website explains how long your digital and print NHS Covid Pass is valid for.

If you had a vaccine - used in the UK – your NHS COVID Pass lasts for 30 days, but the 30 day period refreshes every time you log in.

If you have a negative PCR test or rapid lateral flow test, your NHS COVID Pass is valid for 48 hours after a negative result.

If you had a positive PCR test, the NHS Covid Pass provides proof of natural immunity - lasting for 180 days from the date of the positive test and following completion of the self-isolation period.

Who is eligible for the NHS Covid Pass?

If you're aged 16 or over, you can get a digital NHS COVID Pass for travel, the NHS says.

People under 16 may need to show a negative test result, the NHS says.

If you're 18 or over, you can also use your digital NHS COVID Pass for domestic events and venues.

People under 18 do not have to show proof of their vaccination or test results for domestic events or venues in England, the NHS website says.

When will Plan B measures be reviewed? 

The Plan B measures will be reviewed on January 5, before their expiry date of January 26.