Traveling? How to know if your vaccination card is fake

By Chioma Obinagwam

Getting vaccinated has become one of the travel requirements for those traveling outside the borders of their country.

One of such vaccinations, which is statutory for some countries, is the Yellow Fever vaccination. A tourist is required to show a yellow card, which is a proof of the vaccination, at the borders of most countries.

Nevertheless, the importance of this vaccination has led to a preponderance of fake yellow cards issuance.

Travel advisor, Alma Asinobi, has offered useful advice on how to identify a fake yellow card.

Confiance News learnt from her official X handle that to ascertain an authentic yellow card, you are expected to scan the QR code on the card which would show your passport details.

She said: “If you live in Nigeria and like to travel, please get proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card).

“And if you have one, scan the QR code on the cover and follow the prompt. If your passport details don’t show up, it’s most likely fake and you could get in trouble at any border.”

Asinobi noted that other countries at risk of yellow fever are also mandated to get the vaccination.

“This doesn’t only apply to people who live in Nigeria. If you’re traveling around Africa or South East Asia for more than 2 weeks, consider getting too.

Here’s WHO’s yellow fever guide to countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

who.int/publications/m…,” She continued.

Reactions

The travel advisors tip sparked reactions. An X user known as African boy was curious to know how to solve the problem of having a fake yellow card.He said:”How do we this issue rectify? Should take a new Yellow fever card ? So it can scan properly?”

Asinobi replied:”The likely cause of this is that you didn’t take the vaccine, you were just handed the card. If this is the case, then go to the nearest Port Health office and take the vaccine.If you did, but it still doesn’t show, please go back with your passport and let them link it.”