Do you have a vaccination appointment or would you like to have your vaccination status checked, but have lost your vaccination certificate? Here’s what you should do in this case.
If you want to get vaccinated, you need your vaccination certificate. This lists all the vaccinations you have received throughout your life, including recommended standard vaccinations as well as travel vaccinations and immunizations. This way, your doctor can see which vaccinations you already have and give you recommendations for further vaccinations and boosters.
Your vaccination certificate is valid internationally, so that doctors abroad can also view your vaccination status – for example if you are traveling or moving abroad.
If you realize shortly before a vaccination appointment that you have lost your vaccination certificate, you are not alone. Fortunately, a lost vaccination certificate is not a catastrophe and does not mean that you will not be vaccinated. However, it is important that you take care of a replacement.
Lost vaccination certificate: Will I still be vaccinated?
Yes, you can get vaccinated even if you have lost your vaccination certificate. If you are vaccinated at your GP practice, you will receive a new vaccination certificate on site. Sometimes you have to pay a small amount for this, but that depends on the practice. As a rule, a new vaccination certificate is free of charge, according to Barmer Insurance.
If you just forgot your vaccination card at home, you can simply have the vaccinations added at the next visit to the practice.
Lost vaccination certificate: How to get a replacement document
If you have lost your vaccination certificate, you will receive a replacement document from your family doctor. It is usually no problem to have the vaccinations from the last ten years added: According to Barmer, they are also entered in your patient file.
Even if you have changed your GP practice within this period, for example because you have moved, the information about your vaccinations is still stored. Either your practice has access to the relevant data via vaccination software or you have to contact previous doctors and ask which vaccinations you received and when.
If vaccinations happened a long time ago, it is often unclear whether and when they were carried out. You can then calmly consider whether you may have other proof of vaccinations from a long time ago.
If there is no proof of existing vaccinations, vaccinations are considered not to have been carried out. Doctors cannot rely on your verbal promise. You can then have vaccinations whose status has not been clarified checked by your doctor. According to Barmer, an additional vaccination does not pose any danger. If you are still unsure, talk to your doctor about it.
Keep the vaccination certificate safe
Once you have a new vaccination card, keep it in a safe place where it cannot be lost again and is ready to hand. For example, put it with other important documents such as your passport or birth certificate.
Tip: Scan your vaccination certificate so that the registered vaccinations are not lost if you misplace the document.
Edited by Jennifer Watzek
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