Nairobi, Kenya: Kenyans visiting India will, from February 14, be required to be fully vaccinated against polio.
Kenya Airways, in a statement said the travellers will need to have in their possession written record of the complete course of vaccination.
“All travelers from Kenya will now be required to have in their possession a written record of vaccination (patient-retained record) for polio, preferably using IHR 2005 International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis from a hospital or Centre administering OPV that is authorized by the Government of the Republic of Kenya,” read the statement.
Source – standardmedia.co.ke
India requires travelers from Kenya to be vaccinated against polio. This mandate has been in effect since March 1, 2014, as part of India’s efforts to maintain its polio-free status by preventing the importation of the virus.
Key Requirements for Travelers from Kenya to India
Full Polio Vaccination: Travelers must have completed a full course of polio vaccination, preferably with the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV).
Additional Dose: An additional dose of OPV should be administered at least six weeks before traveling to India.
Vaccination Record: A written record of vaccination (patient-retained record) is required, preferably using the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) as per the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). This certificate must be issued by a hospital or center authorized by the Government of Kenya.
Validity: The full course of polio vaccination is valid for one year from the date of administration.
These measures are in line with the World Health Organization’s guidelines to prevent the international spread of poliovirus and to protect countries that have successfully eliminated the disease.
Travelers are advised to complete the vaccination requirements well in advance of their travel date to ensure compliance and avoid any travel disruptions.
