GHS updates Covid-19 vaccination database as challenges crop up

The Ghana Health Service says it is updating the status of all persons who have been fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 disease in the country.

This has come as a result of challenges being faced by individuals, especially persons wanting to travel outside Ghana, to verify their vaccination status using the barcode at the back of their COVID-19 vaccination card.

This was contained in a statement signed and issued by the Director General of the GHS, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye on Thursday, August 5, 2021.

The GHS, as part of its COVID-19 vaccination data quality assurance process, set up a system of data validation for persons who have received a full dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The process includes placement of a registered metallic peel – hologram with security features – on the vaccination card as proof of full vaccination and a barcode to check vaccination status.

The GHS is however facing challenges with the system as some vaccinated individuals, especially those travelling outside Ghana, are unable to verify their vaccination status using the barcode.

The service has therefore set up a desk at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) for travellers to aid with their vaccination verification process.

“Fully vaccinated outbound travellers (i.e., travellers who have received two doses of AstraZeneca or Sputnik-V vaccine) departing from KIA should contact the Vaccination Verification Desk of the Port Health Unit at the Departure Hall of KIA to verify their vaccination status prior to departure,” the statement said.

It added that other fully vaccinated individuals desirous of verifying their vaccination status should visit the nearest health facility or District Health Directorate for assistance.