Lost your yellow fever vaccination certificate before a trip? A replacement may be possible if there is a suitable record of your vaccination.
Here’s where to start and what you need to know.
What is a yellow fever certificate?
The official name is the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). It is the certificate you receive when you have your yellow fever vaccination.
Some countries require it as proof of vaccination before allowing entry. Check the requirements for your trip with a yellow fever vaccination centre.
Can I get a replacement yellow fever certificate?
Yes, it may be possible—but the clinic needs evidence of your previous vaccination.
Start by contacting the centre that gave you the vaccine. If it is still an active Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, it may be able to issue a replacement from its records. A replacement fee may apply.
What if the original clinic has closed or stopped offering yellow fever vaccinations?
Ask whether your vaccination records are still available. Another active Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre may be able to use those records to consider issuing a replacement.
A replacement is not guaranteed. The centre must have enough information to complete the certificate and be satisfied that you are adequately protected.
What information will the clinic need?
Useful evidence includes:
A copy or clear photograph of your original certificate
The date you received the vaccine
The vaccine manufacturer and batch number
Records from the clinic that vaccinated you.
The NHS says a certificate may be reissued using a copy showing the vaccination date and full batch details. The reviewing centre will check whether the available evidence is sufficient.
Can NaTHNaC look up my vaccination?
NaTHNaC, which runs Yellow Fever Zone, does not hold a central record of everyone’s yellow fever vaccinations. It cannot retrieve your vaccination date or batch number, or reissue your certificate.
Your original vaccination provider is the best starting point for finding your records.
Will I need another yellow fever vaccination?
Losing the certificate does not automatically mean you need another dose. Most travellers need only one yellow fever vaccination in their lifetime.
If suitable records cannot be found, discuss your options with a Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. Any decision about another vaccination needs an individual assessment.
My certificate has an expiry date. Is it still valid?
Yellow fever vaccination certificates are valid for life, including older certificates showing a ten-year expiry date.
You do not need to replace an otherwise valid certificate simply because that printed date has passed.
Can I travel with a photograph of my certificate?
Keep a photograph or scanned copy as a backup, but do not rely on it for border entry. Yellow Fever Zone advises that an official paper certificate is likely to be the only acceptable format at borders.
If yours is missing, arrange advice before d