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Is There Any Significance to a Covid-19 Vaccine Certificate?

"With a significant rise in the number of individuals receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations in Vietnam, attention turns to the importance and implications of the vaccination certificates being issued. As more and more people complete their first and second doses, what does this certificate truly mean? Let's explore the significance of this documentation and its potential impact."

Administrator

17 July, 2024

The Ministry of Health’s Directive 05, issued on March 30, emphasized the importance of strengthening COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Specifically, the directive instructed provincial and municipal Health Departments to issue vaccination certificates to citizens. But what exactly is the purpose of these vaccination certificates? Let’s find out more in this article.

For further reference:

1. Understanding COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates

According to TS. Nguyen Minh Hang, Deputy Director of the Department of Preventive Medicine, the current purpose of this certificate is to confirm that an individual has received the COVID-19 vaccine.

However, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Truong Son stated that those vaccinated against COVID-19 are not exempt from quarantine requirements, and the vaccination certificate does not currently hold the significance that many had hoped for.

Note:
At present, the COVID-19 vaccination certificate does not exempt individuals from travel restrictions or quarantine requirements.
However, the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control and the Ministry of Health are considering additional benefits associated with this certificate. This may include easing domestic travel restrictions and reducing quarantine periods.
Moreover, in the future, everyone who receives the COVID-19 vaccine will be provided with a vaccination certificate, and a vaccine passport may facilitate international travel.

Everyone who receives the COVID-19 vaccine will be given a vaccination certificate.

For further information:

2. The Significance of COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates

Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long explained that a vaccine passport is essentially an electronic certificate confirming that an individual has received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, in accordance with the Law on Infectious Disease Prevention and the International Health Regulations.

Once an individual has received both doses, the system will update their information with a unique QR code, serving as verification. Those possessing a vaccine passport will enjoy benefits when traveling abroad, as their QR code can be scanned to access their vaccination records.

Note:
Vietnam is currently in discussions with other countries regarding the acceptance of vaccine passports through QR codes. The Ministry of Health and Viettel, a military-industrial telecommunications group, are also piloting this solution at COVID-19 vaccination sites to assess its feasibility.

Vaccine passports are seen as a key solution to restarting the global economy.

Even with a vaccination certificate, it is crucial to continue following the 5K message and practice quarantine as advised by the Ministry of Health to protect yourself and others. We hope this article provided valuable insights into COVID-19 vaccination and related procedures. Stay safe and healthy!