Traveling abroad can expose individuals to diseases not commonly found in their home country. At Anderson’s Hospital, we offer up-to-date vaccination services and travel health advice to ensure your journey is safe and healthy.
Requirements for Valid Vaccination Certificates
For a vaccination or prophylaxis certificate to be valid, the following conditions must be met:
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✅ The vaccine or prophylaxis must be approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).
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✅ The certificate must be signed by a licensed medical practitioner or authorized health worker overseeing the vaccine administration.
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✅ The certificate must bear the official stamp of the administering center. However, a stamp does not replace the required handwritten signature.
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❌ Any alteration, erasure, or incomplete section may invalidate the certificate.
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✅ The certificate is valid only until the date stated for the specific vaccination.
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✅ It must be completed in English or French. Other languages may be included in addition to one of these.
Important Notes
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The only disease currently requiring mandatory proof of vaccination under the International Health Regulations (2005) is Yellow Fever.
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When administered, the term “Yellow Fever” must be written in the designated space on the certificate.
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This certificate will also apply if the WHO designates another disease requiring proof of vaccination in the future.
Information for Travellers
During international travel — for holidays or business — individuals may encounter diseases not present or rare in their home country. It is strongly advised to:
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📋 Consult your doctor or health department before travelling for tailored protection measures.
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💉 Be aware that in addition to yellow fever, vaccinations may be recommended or required for:
Travellers should also be mindful of other health risks such as:
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Changes in climate and altitude
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Mental or physical strain
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Poor hygiene or food safety
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Contact with insects and animals
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Physical injury risks
📌 Tip: After returning from travel, inform your doctor about recent trips if you experience illness — even up to a year later.
Malaria Protection
Malaria remains a serious risk in many tropical and subtropical regions. While no vaccine exists for malaria, you can protect yourself by:
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🦟 Using mosquito repellents and insecticide-treated nets
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💊 Taking antimalarial tablets before and during travel
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📞 Keeping emergency tablets if medical care isn’t immediately accessible
If you develop a fever during or after travel (even up to three months later), seek urgent medical attention and inform your doctor of your travel history — especially if you visited a malarious region.
Information for Physicians
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All vaccination dates must be written in this format: day – month (in letters) – year (e.g., 1 January 2025).
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If a vaccine is medically contraindicated, provide a written exemption for the traveler. Local health authorities may consider this.
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For the latest vaccination requirements and yellow fever center listings, consult the WHO publication “International Travel and Health.”