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:

• ✅ The vaccine or prophylaxis must be approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).

• ✅ The certificate must be signed by a licensed medical practitioner or authorized health worker overseeing the vaccine administration.

• ✅ The certificate must bear the official stamp of the administering center. However, a stamp does not replace the required handwritten signature.

• ❌ Any alteration, erasure, or incomplete section may invalidate the certificate.

• ✅ The certificate is valid only until the date stated for the specific vaccination.

• ✅ It must be completed in English or French. Other languages may be included in addition to one of these.

Important Notes

• The only disease currently requiring mandatory proof of vaccination under the International Health Regulations (2005) is Yellow Fever.

• When administered, the term “Yellow Fever” must be written in the designated space on the certificate.

• 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:

• 📋 Consult your doctor or health department before travelling for tailored protection measures.

• 💉 Be aware that in addition to yellow fever, vaccinations may be recommended or required for:

  • Malaria (preventive medication)

  • Poliomyelitis

  • Hepatitis A & B

  • Diphtheria

  • Tetanus

  • Typhoid fever

Travellers should also be mindful of other health risks such as:

• Changes in climate and altitude

• Mental or physical strain

• Poor hygiene or food safety

• Contact with insects and animals

• 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:

• 🦟 Using mosquito repellents and insecticide-treated nets

• 💊 Taking antimalarial tablets before and during travel

• 📞 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

• All vaccination dates must be written in this format: day – month (in letters) – year (e.g., 1 January 2025).

• If a vaccine is medically contraindicated, provide a written exemption for the traveler. Local health authorities may consider this.

• For the latest vaccination requirements and yellow fever center listings, consult the WHO publication “International Travel and Health.”