The NHS app and website experienced an outage on Wednesday afternoon, with users unable to access their digital COVID vaccine passes, NHS Digital said.

An NHS COVID Pass shows proof of a coronavirus vaccination as well as test results.

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NHS Digital confirmed the service had been restored just after 4pm.

But panicked NHS app users with imminent travel plans reacted on Twitter with one saying he missed a flight due to the outage.

People travelling abroad or attending events and venues in England may be asked for proof of their COVID-19 status, which is why instant access to the COVID Pass is important.

Earlier this month, Scotland’s newly launched vaccine passport app was also hit by technical problems, meaning people are unable to register their details on it.

People attending large events and nightclubs in Scotland now need to show proof using the app that they have had two doses of vaccine before they are allowed in, but just hours after the app’s launch, social media users said they were unable to register on it.

Last month, Boris Johnson said the government wants to avoid the introduction of COVID vaccine passports in England “if we possibly can”, but added they would be an option to be kept “in reserve”.