EASA recommends 48-72h post-vaccination pause for aircrew

European safety regulators are advising aircrew to wait at least 48h, and up to 72h for single-crew operations, before engaging in flight-related tasks after being vaccinated against Covid-19. The precautionary measure arises from uncertainty as to whether in-flight conditions at cruise altitudes – including lower air pressure and the hypoxic environment – might exacerbate any side-effects from the vaccination. “At this time, no evidence is available regarding the impact of in-flight conditions on the severity of the side effects, nor on the resulting impact on the performance of the crew members during their safety related tasks,” says the EASA. EASA stresses that it is not questioning “in any way” the safety of the vaccine itself, and says the “vast majority” of reported side-effects are mild.<br/>