9 August 2007

Update on the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis for use in the United Kingdom

On 15 June 2007 the new International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) came into force [1]. With this new approach to the control of global public health events, a new “International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis” also came into effect [2,3]. NaTHNaC has responsibility for printing and distributing the new certificates.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres (YFVCs) should be aware of the following:

•  The model for the new certificate has been agreed by the UK health authorities. Final legal opinion is being sought before printing and distribution can occur. This is expected by the end of August 2007.
• Once the certificates are printed they will be become available to YFVCs. All YFVCs will receive an initial supply of 25 certificates from The Stationary Office. Further certificates can be ordered through the NHS Response Line, as is currently the practice. Additional options for distribution are being explored.
• Certificates in the old format that have been issued prior to 15 June 2007 will remain valid for 10 years.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) is aware that most countries were not in a position to implement the new certificate requirements as of 15 June, and that countries, therefore, will continue to use the old format certificates for a limited time period. WHO have issued the following guidance on this point [4]:

"… in order to minimise potential short-term disruptions to international travel, State Parties [countries] may consider continuing to recognise and accept certificates issued using the format required by the IHR (1969) for a limited time period of 6 months [which will be to 15 December 2007].”

• The stamps used by each YFVC will need to be changed to accommodate a smaller space on the new certificate.  The new stamp should measure 20mm by 10mm and contain only the YFVC number and the words “United Kingdom”, e.g.:                      

                   UKYFVC00000

                   United Kingdom

YFVCs should order new stamps from their stationery suppliers so that they will be ready when the new format certificates are distributed in September.

 

• When the new certificates are ready for distribution, all centres will be contacted and advice will be posted on the NaTHNaC website.

References

1. World Health Organization. International Health Regulations (2005) 2005, World Health Organization: Geneva. p. 1-60. Available at: http://www.who.int/csr/ihr/en/

2. Hardiman M, Wilder-Smith A. The revised international health regulations and their relevance to travel medicine. J Travel Med 2007;14:141-4.

3. NaTHNaC. Yellow fever vaccination certificates. Clinical Update, 14 June 2007. On–line resource. Available at: http://www.nathnac.org/pro/clinical_updates/YFcertificates_1406

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4. World Health Organization. IHR (2005) International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. On-line resource. Accessed 8 August 2007. Available at: http://www.who.int/csr/ihr/icvp/en/index.html