India extends deadline on polio vaccination certificate for Pakistani travelers
Deadline, after which carrying a certificate for polio vaccination will be mandatory, extended to February 14, 2014.
It now remains to be seen whether other polio-free countries, particularly those that receive large numbers of visitors from Pakistan, will react in a manner similar to India. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
ISLAMABAD:
India announced on Friday that it was extending till February 14, 2014, a deadline after which it would be mandatory for all travelers from Pakistan to carry polio vaccination certificates .
According to a statement released by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on Friday, it said that all persons – adults and children – traveling to India from Pakistan are required to obtain an Oral Polio Vaccination (OPV) certification at least six weeks prior to their departure to India, but not more than one year before such departure.
The previous deadline was January 30, 2014.
Travelers from Pakistan, even Indian nationals on visit to Pakistan, would be required to carry their vaccination record as evidence of polio vaccination upon entry into India.
Record for administering OPV can be obtained from an authorised medical centre in the format laid out in the World Health Organisation’s International Health Regulations 2005 International Certification of Vaccination. The format of the certificate required is also available on the website of the High Commission of India.
The Indian mission explained that the step is being taken to safeguard India’s polio-free status attained after sustained after efforts and large investment. It further clarified that the measure was applicable to all travelers from all such countries where polio is endemic or where cases of polio are reported.
Despite efforts by the government, Pakistan reported 85 confirmed cases of polio during 2013, raising concerns about the fight against the disease.
India announced on Friday that it was extending till February 14, 2014, a deadline after which it would be mandatory for all travelers from Pakistan to carry polio vaccination certificates .
According to a statement released by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on Friday, it said that all persons – adults and children – traveling to India from Pakistan are required to obtain an Oral Polio Vaccination (OPV) certification at least six weeks prior to their departure to India, but not more than one year before such departure.
The previous deadline was January 30, 2014.
Travelers from Pakistan, even Indian nationals on visit to Pakistan, would be required to carry their vaccination record as evidence of polio vaccination upon entry into India.
Record for administering OPV can be obtained from an authorised medical centre in the format laid out in the World Health Organisation’s International Health Regulations 2005 International Certification of Vaccination. The format of the certificate required is also available on the website of the High Commission of India.
The Indian mission explained that the step is being taken to safeguard India’s polio-free status attained after sustained after efforts and large investment. It further clarified that the measure was applicable to all travelers from all such countries where polio is endemic or where cases of polio are reported.
Despite efforts by the government, Pakistan reported 85 confirmed cases of polio during 2013, raising concerns about the fight against the disease.