Wednesday, August 4, 2021

How to get an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) card for COVID-19 in the Philippines

The Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) now issues the International Certificate of Vaccination or ICV for COVID-19 in the Philippines. ICV serves as a vaccine passport, particularly for international travelers (OFWs, seafarers, and tourists). So here, we’ll be talking about everything you need to know about BOQ’s ICV, including the appointment process, requirements, fees, and more. Read on!

Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) and its services

The Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) under the Department of Health (DOH), with the category of a first-class line bureau, shall have a nationwide scope of function and international commitment regarding the International Health Regulations (IHR) of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Moreover, the bureau is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations as necessary to prevent the introduction, transmission, or spread of “public health emergencies of international concern ” from foreign countries into the Philippines.

The bureau is mandated to prevent the entry and spread of infectious diseases and public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC). One of the intervention strategies that the bureau is conducting to be able to implement its mandate is the vaccination of international travelers and issuance of corresponding bills of health.

BOQ Online Booking System (OBS)

Following R.A. 11032, also known as “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Act of 2018”, the bureau had implemented the Bureau of Quarantine Online Booking System (OBS) to provide fast and efficient service.

The BOQ has updated its BOQ Online Booking System (BOQ OBS) and developed a new format for the International Certificate of Vaccination with a unique QR code wherein other stakeholders, both local and international, will be able to verify the authenticity of the said certificate.

Services

The services it offers include Vaccination, International Certification, and Physical Exam. Under International Certification, clients may book an appointment for getting Duplicate/Re-issuance of ICV, International Certificate for Polio, and International Certificate for COVID-19. Each certification costs PHP 300. For Senior Citizens, it costs PHP 240.

The BOQ and its services are now available on the following sites:

NCR
• Manila Main Office
• SM MOA

LUZON
• Batangas
• Subic

VISAYAS
• Cebu

MINDANAO
• Davao

International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) for COVID-19

The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), also known as the Carte Jaune or Yellow Card, is a vaccination report created by WHO. It is a travel document, which is a kind of medical passport that is recognized internationally. It may also be required for entry to certain countries where there are heightened health risks for travelers.

On July 19, 2021, the BOQ introduced the new International Certificate of Vaccination card (also known as vaccine passport.) Now, other than ICV for Polio, the bureau also issues ICV for COVID-19. The vaccine passport shows factual data regarding an individual’s vaccination status, which makes it reliable proof of being vaccinated against COVID-19.

Fully vaccinated individuals that are bound for international travel may request an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) from the bureau, given that they shall comply with specific guidelines.

Guidelines and Requirements

The international traveler must be vaccinated for COVID-19 in their respective Local Government Unit (LGU) or special vaccination centers (bakuna center, hospitals, and other institutions).
The LGU or special vaccination centers (hospitals and other institutions) shall submit the master list and line list of vaccinated international travelers to the Vaccine Information Management System (VIMS-IR) that is being managed by DICT.
The international traveler shall request a digital form of his/her certificate in https://vcs.medux.care/ (Refer to DICT Department Memorandum).
In case the international traveler does not have a record on the VIMS-IR. Then, they must go to his/her respective LGU or special vaccination centers, i.e., bakuna center, hospitals, and other Department institutions, so that his/her record may be uploaded in the master list.
If in case the international traveler is already leaving and his/her records were not yet updated, they can request certification from his/her LGU or special vaccination centers, i.e., bakuna center, hospitals, and other institutions that verify the authenticity of their vaccination card. The said certification must include the following details:
a. Letterhead of the LGU or special vaccination centers i.e.
bakuna center, hospitals, and other institutions
b. Name of the vaccine
c. Date of administration
d. Vaccine administered
e. Manufacturer of the vaccine administered
f. Lot/Batch number
g. Name, designation, and signature of certifying official

Currently, the BOQ only issues ICV for COVID-19 vaccines recognized by the WHO, including the following:

• AstraZeneca
• Pfizer
• Johnsson & Johnsson’s Janssen
• Moderna
• Sinovac
• Sinopharm

Before booking an appointment, note that the client must upload a copy of their vaccination card issued by their respective LGU or special vaccination center, i.e., bakuna center, hospitals, and other institutions. In addition, they shall also present the digital vaccination certificate on the day of the appointment (if available).

How to book an appointment?

1) Go to the BOQ Online Booking System (OBS) website (boq.pisopay.com.ph) and select your preferred location.
2) Read the Terms and Privacy Policy, then click “I Agree to the Terms & Privacy Policy of this Website” to proceed.
3) Click “Book an appointment.”
4) Put your email address, and click “Proceed.”
5) Click “Select Service” and choose “Certification.”
6) Click “International Certification of Vaccine for COVID-19, and click “Next.”
7) Select an available date and time for an appointment.
8) Fill out all necessary information.
9) Upload required documents (valid ID, senior citizen ID (if applicable), and proof of inoculation).
10) Fill out all necessary information for payment.

How to verify appointment status?

1) Go to the BOQ Online Booking System (OBS) website (boq.pisopay.com.ph) and select your preferred location.

2) Click “View appointment status.”
3) Input your “reference number” and “date of birth.” Then click “Submit” and wait for the status of your appointment.