What to do when you lose an immunisation card

BY law, in order for children to be admitted to schools, proof of immunisation is a requirement, except in extreme medical cases where children are being treated for autoimmune conditions such as cancer or HIV. These cards are also important in a number of other medical and official or legal processes, and in their absence, these processes can be held in limbo. But sometimes, whether carelessly or unavoidably, they get damaged, misplaced or lost. How should parents respond to a child’s missing health and development passport? What should they do in an effort to replace the missing one?“Immunisation cards are important for a number of reasons, and the individual or caregiver is required to keep these records safe, as they are important in the identification of adequate or inadequate immunisation status; they also support public health policies by confirming immunisation records,” said Dr Anona Griffith, paediatrician at Gateway Plaza, Old Harbour.She said that it should not be difficult for parents to receive a new copy of their child’s immunisation card since all immunisations administered must be documented, not only for the patient to have proof of receipt but for the health teams’ records. Dr Griffith said that these guidelines should be followed by all institutions that administer immunisations.“If immunisation records are misplaced or lost, it is important to confirm immunisation status at the location of administration. This would include the health centres, paediatrician or doctor’s office. However, if unsuccessful, the Public Health Department is usually able to assist,” she advised.Though this possibility is rare, Dr Griffith said that if all attempts at obtaining the records have failed, one could try going through organisations, such as schools, which may have taken copies of the immunisation cards — to obtain a copy of what they have, even if it is not up-to- date. Failure to achieve this, however, will mean that re-immunisation will be considered according to what is described as a catch-up schedule, which is recommended and used internationally. This takes into account the patient’s age and vaccines confirmed as having been given. She said that the schedule should be adhered to and a new immunisation record provided.Another method explored when the vaccination records cannot be located or are incomplete, as outlined by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, is where the child has his/her blood tested for antibodies to determine his/her immunity to certain diseases.A drawback of this test, however, is that these tests may not always be accurate, so the doctor may not be sure if your child is truly protected. This uncertainty often leads to many doctors choosing to revaccinate your child for best protection. Revaccination does not carry any health or other safety risks.