Confused about where to start to apply for a vaccination QR code? Here’s a step-by-step guide

South Asia Check / June 30, 2022

By Pravin Bhatta/South Asia Check

The Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) has said that 69 percent of Nepal’s population has been fully vaccinated, while 77 percent has received at least one jab of the vaccine. Upon vaccination, individuals receive a card that records their details and information about the vaccine. Although an official at the vaccination centre signs the card, it does not function as an authenticated proof of vaccination, especially when travelling abroad. Travellers need to obtain a digitally signed certificate provided by the Government of Nepal to prove that they have received the full dose of the vaccines against Covid-19. 

But what exactly is a vaccination certificate with a QR code, and how do we obtain it? Let’s find out.

A certificate with a code

QR is an acronym for the quick response which are square-shaped, pixelated codes that store information such as web addresses, app download links and bank account details. The arrangement of the code varies according to the data stored in it. A QR code can easily be scanned through a smartphone using scanning software or application. Most smartphones these days come with built-in QR code scanners and apps. Smartphone users use the QR code scanner to connect to a Wi-Fi network or make an online payment. 

It is this widely used technology that the Government of Nepal has adopted to issue vaccination certificates to facilitate storing and accessing information about Covid-19 vaccination. 

Upon vaccination, beneficiaries receive a card that mentions their details and information about the vaccine they received. Once fully vaccinated, the beneficiaries can apply for a digital certificate with a QR code. The MOHP and local health units must provide such credentials upon request. As per Dr. Rudra Prasad Marasini, chief of the Management Division at the MOHP, the QR code certificate encompasses “information about full-dose vaccination that is stored digitally in a QR code that can be scanned all over the world.”

Why do we need it?

The vaccination certificate with a QR code is proof that the person has received a full dose of vaccine against Covid-19. This certificate is verified by officials of the Department of Health Services under the MOHP and the health units of the concerned local government. 

The QR code directs to the MOHP website, which, in turn, reveals information about the beneficiary, the vaccine, and the date of vaccination.

How can we obtain it?

To be eligible to apply for a vaccination certificate with a QR code, beneficiaries must first receive a full dose of a vaccine against Covid-19. Once they receive a physical card, they can apply online for a QR code through https://vaccine.mohp.gov.np/public-request-form . 

The form prompts beneficiaries to furnish the vaccine’s name and batch number. It also asks them to provide details about the date and location of vaccination. 

Upon furnishing these details, beneficiaries need to upload the following documents. 

1. Citizenship certificate
2. Passport-size photo
3. Vaccination card.

The beneficiaries receive a  registration number (0000-000000-0000Y) after applying.

If the names of the local government, vaccination centre or stamp are illegible on the card, beneficiaries need to approach the vaccination centre. Illegible documents lead to the rejection of the application for QR code certificates.

Can we apply for it offline?

The easiest way to receive a vaccine certificate with a QR code is to apply online. However, if the beneficiaries are not in a position to apply online, they can submit a printed form along with required documents to a concerned local government or department of health services, said Dr. Marasini of the MOHP. These institutions then scan and upload the form to the system. 

How long does it take to obtain it?

The government’s policy is to provide the code to applicants immediately, but a heavy workload means it takes 72 hours and seven days to verify and release the code, said Dr. Marasini. However, applicants can contact the local government or the Health Services department if they are in a hurry. 

To receive their verification certificate, applicants can log on to https://vaccine.mohp.gov.np/verify-status. Upon furnishing the registration number, they can download their vaccination certificate. They can also download it through the Nagarik app.

Do we need it for domestic travel?

No, we don’t need it for domestic travel, according to Yog Raj Sharma Kandel, spokesperson of the Airlines Operators Association. “Passengers must show a vaccination card provided by the vaccination centre for domestic air travel. But a QR code isn’t required,” he told South Asia Check. 

How much does it cost?

It is a free service provided by the Government of Nepal. This means that beneficiaries are not required to pay any money at any stage of the application process. 

A step-by-step guide to the application process

• Log on to https://vaccine.mohp.gov.np/public-request-form
• Fill up the form by providing all the details required.
• Upload citizenship certificate, passport-sized photo and vaccination card issued by the vaccination centre.
• Submit the application.
• Note the registration number.
• To download the certificate, log on to https://vaccine.mohp.gov.np/verify-status.
• To download the certificate, log on to https://vaccine.mohp.gov.np/verify-status.
• Enter the registration number and download the certificate. 

This material is copyrighted but may be used for any purpose by giving due credit to southasiacheck.org.

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