A fake exemption card for the NHS COVID Pass app are spreading on social media using the Sunflower logo and name.
The text on the graphic, which features both our name and logo and the NHS logo, reads: ‘I am exempt from using the NHS Covid Pass. Thank you for respecting my hidden disability. Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful for any individual or business to ask for evidence of any exemption.’
The UK government does not issue exemptions from using the NHS COVID Pass. If you are medically exempt from having the COVID-19 vaccine, you can still use the NHS COVID Pass. You must provide evidence of your exemption, which a health professional must confirm. If eligible, the pass, which will not show the holder has a medical exemption, can be used to demonstrate COVID-19 status in the same way as those who are vaccinated.
“If you get this proof of medical exemption you’ll be able to use the NHS COVID Pass wherever you need to prove your COVID-19 status within England,” the guidance reads.
The Sunflower in no way endorses these fake exemption pass and it truly saddens us that our company name is being used this way. The Sunflower is here to support people with an invisible disability by discreetly indicating to those around them that they may need some extra help, understanding or simply a little more time. It is not here to demonstrate that you are exempt from an NHS COVID Pass.
The Sunflower holds numerous trademarks surrounding our logo and name. This is a blatant infringement of both.
If you are unable to get vaccinated for medical reasons, you can obtain certification to prove this from the Department of Health and Social care (DHSC).
Guidance on how to obtain this certificate can be found on gov.uk here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-medical-exemptions-proving-you-are-unable-to-get-vaccinated
Full details on this can be found here https://www.reuters.com/article/factcheck-coronavirus-aspirin/fact-check-exemption-cards-for-the-nhs-covid-pass-are-fake-idUSL1N2RE1BQ