Vaccine certificate is essential to travel as the evidence stating you have protection against certain diseases. Travel vaccination certificates are mainly necessary for yellow fever, polio and meningitis. You should know that any country can deny the arrival in case you don’t have certificates. Continue reading this blog to know the reasons to get them.
Varieties of certificates available
Vaccination certificate will mention the jab of disease you have taken against. It is also called International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis or ICVP.
Vaccine certificates are compulsory for meningococcal meningitis, polio and yellow fever. However, you don’t require the certificate of every vaccine you have received so far such as hepatitis B and typhoid.
Yellow fever vaccination certificates
Several countries need yellow fever vaccine certificate because of several reasons. Even if you have the proof there is no guarantee you can enter there, due to the risk of having the disease. Also if the country doesn’t need the certificate then there is no risk of yellow fever. You may find it a little weird but the rules are to resist the transmission of diseases all over the world. This is the reason you will stop at the airport to ask for showing yellow fever certificate on arrival. Interestingly, the validity of the certificate extends to lifelong and you can use it anytime for arriving to foreign countries.
Polio vaccination certificates
In some countries you need to show up your polio vaccination certificate including Saudi Arabia, Lithuania, Egypt, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and India. Polio vaccine certificate is mandatory to pay a visit to Umrah and Hajj pilgrims due to the tight restrictions and checks. As people from all over the world gather here it can heighten health risks with little accessibility to vaccines. So, ensure the best way to protect yourself from getting any diseases during the tour.
Meningococcal meningitis vaccine certificates
The necessity of certificate for this vaccine is similar to that of already mentioned ones. But its requirement is quite less due to which it appears differently. Also the vaccine has no routine record on International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis booklet.
By receiving an ICVP during polio and yellow fever vaccine you can see its record on the page of other vaccinations. Otherwise, the nurse will prescribe one after authenticating the alternative document by official stamp. It will valid only for 5 years. However, it should state that you already have ‘conjugate meningococcal vaccine’ or else the validity will reduce to 3 years only. To visit Hajj or Umrah you need to submit valid meningococcal vaccination certificate besides polio vaccination certificate. It must state that you have the jab less than 10 days and more than 3 years prior to visit Saudi Arabia.
COVID-19 vaccination certificates
After such massive outburst of SARs-CoV-2 several countries come up for vaccine passports for this disease as well. But still nothing has confirmed on international level so far.
What to do if you don’t have the certificate?
Often people find the trick to fly abroad without vaccination certificate. But it is not encouraging at all and your arrival can reject any time there. After that, you have no option left except to make the return ticket and fly back home. As per recent government norms, you may need to quarantine for a few days if you travel without certificate.
Illness and diseases risk vary from a country to another. With increased risk country tightens the arrival of foreigners into their land. So, check for the requirements of the passenger including vaccine certificates to enter a country while planning to fly abroad.
How to receive vaccination certificates?
You can book your appointment at a travel clinic in London to get your certificate for meningitis, polio and yellow fever. Otherwise look for nearby partner pharmacy to receive the certificate at the same time. Consult with the doctor in case you are not sure which vaccine to receive. The certificates will provide to the patients without any additional cost. Replacement can take a minimal charge so you can have another option to get the copy of certificate if you lost it.
What to do if you lose the vaccine certificate?
Always keep the vaccination certificate handy and in safe pocket of your luggage. Don’t lose it in-between the trip ever! If ever this happened to you then you have a pale hope to reissue the certificate only if you are UK-citizen. However, batch number of vaccination and date is must to provide and hence have the information somehow safely. Always have the photocopy of the certificate in your phone so that you can show it whenever necessary.
Is it possible to change name on vaccination certificate?
New vaccine certificate will issue for those who change their name after marriage. Otherwise, plan beforehand for your honeymoon to not get caught as newly-wed couple. While planning for name change then ensure that you have enough information regarding updating vaccine certificates.
Key things to keep in mind regarding vaccination certificates
Travel vaccine certificate never bothers you no matter whether you are regular flier. However, you must keep correct information organised to submit it whenever necessary.
Check for:
- Country requirements in an advance of the trip
- Storing vaccine certificates safely
- Having certificates photocopies
- Store vaccination batch date and number
- Replaced the certificate after change in name
Always make the paperwork in advance not in rush of course! Then only you have healthy, peaceful and happy trip to foreign land.
