Yellow fever fact sheets

Introduction of the International certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis - Information for yellow fever vaccination centres

This page provides information on the new yellow fever vaccination certificates to be used by vaccination centres.

International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis

The revised International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) came into force in June 2007. From 15 June 2007, the current “International certificate of vaccination or revaccination against yellow fever” will be replaced by the “International certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis”. Previous vaccination certificates are still valid until they expire.

A model of the “International certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis” is provided below. The additional information required on the new certificate is highlighted below:



It is expected that the new certificates will be adopted throughout Australia by 15 December 2007. “International certificates of vaccination or revaccination against yellow fever” can not be issued after this time.

Please note that previously issued “International certificates of vaccination or revaccination against yellow fever” are valid for a period of ten years and are not affected by the entry into force of the IHR (2005). Such certificates remain valid proof of vaccination against yellow fever and do not need to be replaced by new certificates during their period of validity.

General Requirements for the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis

• The certificate must be printed in English and French; an additional language may be added.
• The certificate must be completed in English or French; an additional language may be used.
• The certificate must be an individual certificate and not a collective one.
• The certificate is valid only if the yellow fever vaccine used has been approved by World Health Organization (WHO)¹
• The certificate is valid for a period of 10 years, beginning 10 days after the date of vaccination. In the event of revaccination within such period of 10 years, it is valid from the date of revaccination. The medical professional completing the certificate must record validity dates (certificate valid from.......until........) in the column provided on the certificate.

1. WHO Approved Yellow Fever Vaccine Producers:
Sanofi-Pasteur, France
Institut Pasteur Dakar, Senegal
BioManguinhos, Brazil
Ref: WHO list of vaccines for purchase by UN agencies as of May 2007.

Note: The new international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis differs to the previous certificates in title and in the inclusion of validity dates. The health professional administering the vaccine will also need to state on the certificate that they gave a vaccination against yellow fever (Chapter 6, Page 144, International Travel and Health 2007).
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Where to Purchase International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis Booklets

Copies of the booklet with the WHO logo can be ordered from the link (WHO press) below:
http://www.who.int/bookorders/espagnol/detart3.jsp?sesslan=3&codlan=0&codcol=68&codcch=1000

The certificate can be used for recording vaccinations or prophylaxis, in accordance with the IHR (2005), including vaccination or revaccination against yellow fever. Additional pages in the booklet have space for recording other vaccinations. Prices listed apply only to orders sent directly to WHO (Please note that certificates of vaccination are not sold individually).

Prices (bilingual English/French)

50 copies: Swiss francs 25.-/US $22.50
100 copies: Swiss francs 50.-/US $45.00
500 copies: Swiss francs 225.--/US $202.50
1000 copies: Swiss francs 450.-/US $405.00
5000 copies: Swiss francs 2250.-/US $2025.00
50000 copies: Swiss francs 20000.-/US $18000.00

Shipping and handling costs are extra. These booklets cannot be ordered online. Please send your order by fax or email. Direct fax for orders: +41 22 791 48 57, mail for orders: bookorders@who.int

Postal Address:
WHO/WHO Press
CH-1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland

Alternatively, an updated booklet may be downloaded from the WHO website. The link to the website is provided below. Printed copies of this booklet are a valid way to record the vaccination.
http://www.who.int/csr/ihr/IVC200_06_26.pdf

Changes to the Stamps of Accredited Vaccination Centres

Mandatory criteria for information to be included in each state/territory’s official yellow fever vaccination stamp will also come into force on 15 December 2007.

The criteria will: increase transparency regarding the accreditation status of the clinic, improve traceability of the clinic and clarify the status of the clinic as a corporate entity.

The following details should be provided on all official stamps:

the centre has been accredited as a yellow fever vaccination centre;
there is a space for the recording of a unique identified for the clinic (e.g. a registration or I.D. number); and
the stamp includes the state or territory where the yellow fever vaccination centre was accredited.

A model of the official yellow fever vaccination stamp is below.

Note:
There are no specific requirements for size and shape of the stamp. However, stamp should fit the assigned column in the vaccination booklet.
The identification number of the accredited clinic and the state/territory by which they are accredited should be written legibly in the space provided within stamp.