Laminated vaccine card accepted, must show all details – Health Minister

Given concerns about wear and tear when carrying the COVID-19 vaccination books, persons can now laminate the booklet under the circumstance that all details are visible.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Thursday stated when the vaccination card is laminated, the particulars needed to grant access to a service must be made visible.
If these details are not visible or only part of the information is shown, he said officials can question the authenticity of the document.
“We want people to know that the document is a genuine document but we also understand the challenges people face with walking around with this big card. If it’s not laminated, then it can easily get damaged. So, we have been flexing a little bit but you must also present it so you can see the particulars of the person on one side and what is inside the card. Some people have been able to do that quite nicely,” the Health Minister explained.
In the updated National COVID-19 Emergency Measures for September, measure No. 17 stipulates that any persons who wishes to enter a public building shall be vaccinated. Where an unvaccinated person wishes to enter a public building, they can do so by appointment, and by presenting a negative PCR test taken within seven days.
This runs until September 30, 2021, or unless extended further by the health minister.
Authorities have been very stringent in monitoring vaccine cards which are presented, given cases where persons were caught stealing these cards.
Just this week, it was announced that the Guyana Police Force is currently investigating several other cases of theft of COVID-19 vaccination booklet. Last month, two drivers attached to the Health Ministry were charged and remanded to prison for stealing the immunisation cards.
If anyone is caught selling or stealing these cards, they can be penalized under Section 240 of the Criminal Offences Act, Chapter 8:01, which labels forgery is an offence.
Dr Frank Anthony had reminded, “…you can be prosecuted for forgery, and the fine, if you’re found guilty of forgery, would be up to three years’ imprisonment. And if you forge a vaccination card, you will be liable to this type of punishment if caught. So, I want to encourage people: desist from such practices, because when we catch you, you are going to feel the full brunt of the law.”