Getting a vaccination card or immunization record from your
home country is an important step for immigrants moving to Canada. Here's how
you can obtain one in some of the countries with the most immigrants to Canada:
1. India
- Source:
- Government
Hospitals: Contact the hospital or clinic where you were vaccinated.
- Private
Clinics: Many private practitioners also keep immunization records.
- Childhood
Records: Check with schools, as they may have immunization records
required during admission.
- Documentation:
Use the WHO International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) for travel
purposes if issued.
2. China
- Source:
- Community
Health Centers: These centers usually keep vaccination records for
residents.
- Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Local CDC offices may
assist in retrieving records.
- Documentation:
The "Child Immunization Certificate" (儿童预防接种证) is commonly used.
3. The Philippines
- Source:
- Health
Clinics: Barangay health centers or private clinics where you
received vaccinations.
- Department
of Health: Contact regional offices for centralized records.
- Documentation:
The “Immunization Card” issued during childhood vaccinations is standard.
4. Iran
- Source:
- Health
Houses or Clinics: Vaccination records are usually maintained at
local health facilities.
- Primary
Healthcare Centers: Managed by the Ministry of Health and Medical
Education.
- Documentation:
The “Vaccination Card” (کارت
واکسیناسیون) is issued to all individuals during routine
immunizations.
5. South Korea
- Source:
- Local
Health Centers: Vaccination records are typically available through
local public health offices.
- Korea
Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA): Offers a national
immunization registry.
- Documentation:
The “National Immunization Record” is an official document.
6. Japan
- Source:
- Municipal
Offices: Records are maintained by city or ward offices.
- Hospitals
or Clinics: Contact the clinic where you received your vaccinations.
- Documentation:
The “Maternal and Child Health Handbook” (母子健康手帳) contains vaccination
details.
7. Russia
- Source:
- Polyclinics:
Vaccination records are often kept at the clinic where you were
vaccinated.
- Unified
Medical Information and Analysis System (EMIAS): May have digital
records.
- Documentation:
A standard vaccination card is often issued during routine immunizations.
8. Ukraine
- Source:
- Family
Doctors or Polyclinics: Records are typically stored at local medical
facilities.
- E-Health
System: Ukraine's digital healthcare system may contain vaccination
data.
- Documentation:
The “Child Immunization Card” (Карточка щеплень) is commonly used.
9. Saudi Arabia
- Source:
- Ministry
of Health Clinics: Records are maintained by health centers under the
Ministry of Health.
- Private
Clinics: Contact the private hospital or clinic where you were
vaccinated.
- Documentation:
The "Immunization Record Card" is issued during routine
vaccinations.
10. Iraq
- Source:
- Primary
Health Centers: Vaccination records are maintained at local health
centers.
- Ministry
of Health: Regional offices can assist in retrieving records.
- Documentation:
The standard vaccination card provided during childhood is used.
11. Syria
- Source:
- UNICEF
or WHO-Supported Clinics: In regions affected by conflict,
vaccination records may be available through these organizations.
- Local
Health Facilities: Contact the health center where vaccines were
administered.
- Documentation:
Vaccination records may be part of national health programs or issued by
international organizations.
Steps to Follow If You Cannot Obtain a Vaccination Card
- Contact
the Facility: Call or visit the clinic, hospital, or health center
where you were vaccinated.
- Request
Translations: If the vaccination card is not in English or French,
have it translated by a certified translator.
- Blood
Tests in Canada: Canadian healthcare providers can perform blood tests
to determine immunity if records are unavailable.
- Revaccination:
If necessary, you may need to receive certain vaccinations again.
