Fake Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificates Could be Common

The Times of India (TOI) recently reported fake yellow fever vaccination certificates may have been issued to travelers visiting forty-two countries.

On May 29, 2023, the TOI confirmed the Indian government had issued directions to check which centers are issuing falsified yellow fever vaccination certificates.

“Following reports that certain unauthorized centers are administering vaccination and issuing invalid or fraudulent yellow fever vaccine certificates, resulting in the quarantine of passengers, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reiterates taking extreme caution to the invalid vaccination certificates issued from these unauthorized centers,” health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in a letter that was sent to the states on April 20, 2023, according to the Hindustan Times.

According to the U.S. CDC, the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), known as the yellow card, is the official, internationally recognized document that travelers use to document proof of vaccination for certain diseases.

As of May 2023, vaccination against yellow fever, and in some instances, polio, must be documented using the ICVP and presented at various countries upon arrival.

According to International Health Regulations, a yellow fever vaccine must be administered at certified yellow fever vaccination centers.

In the U.S., the YF-VAX® vaccine is available in 2023, while the Stamaril® vaccine is offered in various countries.

International travelers should check this CDC’s webpage for their destination to learn if yellow fever vaccination is required before entry.