VaxCertPH certificate not substitute for other vaccine cards — DICT

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has advised the public that the upcoming certificate to be issued to those vaccinated against COVID-19 will not serve as a substitute for other vaccine cards.

DICT Usec. Manny Caintic made the clarification Tuesday, Sep. 7, as the national government started the soft launching of the "VaxCertPH," the country's online portal system for COVID-19-vaccinated individuals.

According to the department official, Filipinos who will work abroad, particularly seafarers, must still secure other vaccine cards, such as the yellow card and those issued by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), depending on the country of their destination.

"The VaxCert is only for COVID-19 vaccination. For vaccines against other diseases such as yellow fever, measles and polio, the yellow card is necessary," Caintic said.

"So they have to know in advance the requirements of their country of destination," he added.

Meanwhile, Caintic also said that the department does not have any guidelines yet with regards to Filipinos who received their COVID-19 vaccine jabs abroad as the DICT is currently prioritizing giving certificates to those vaccinated in the Philippines.