The Ministry of Health and Wellness today (December 23) officially launched the digitisation of COVID-19 Vaccine Cards, three days after it was postponed due to technical difficulties when individuals were unable to access the service on the health ministry’s website.

Addressing the launch, Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton faulted a few glitches in the system for the delay.

“The fact is that we were careful, the team was careful to try and avoid any glitches at all,” Tufton said.

In spite of the delay, the minister said it was well worth the wait, as the team needed to iron out all the kinks to ensure a smooth transition.

Tufton stressed that, despite the set back to rectify the issues, glitches in the system should still be expected.

“That is not to say we will not have any glitches, I want to make that very clear. The truth is there are some elements of the system that are going to almost automatically expect adjustments, and indeed it’s built for that.”

At present, Tufton said the first issue anticipated is the need to correct information handwritten on cards. The site however, will allow persons the opportunity to correct the misinformation on their card.

He outlined a few potential barriers to the obtaining of the digital cards and their possible solutions. For individuals who are not tech savvy, Tufton encouraged them to visit a health centre to receive assistance in registering and downloading their card. In addition to this, there are some Jamaicans who might prefer a physical card and so, are also being encouraged to print one.

“For me I would put it on my phone and walk around with it, so that when I need it, I bring it up and it is scanned. The truth is though that some people may want a paper-based card, so you can print it and put it in your file or put in your passport or in your wallet or whatever it is, in your bag, and take it with you,” Tufton explained, stressing that in light of the new trend of vaccination screening, it is important to carry evidence of vaccination on your person.

The roll out, which was made possible through collaboration with UNICEF and E-government foundation out of India, will provide Jamaicans with a secure and universally accepted card designed in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) standards. It features a quick response or QR code that will enable the validation of information on the card and of the individual’s vaccination status, without infringing on a persons right to privacy.

The globally accepted electronic vaccination cards which are more secure and convenient, is accessible by electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and computers. It also provides for ease of travel and has the ability to generate a new card on demand and printed on a letter-sized paper.

To download your electronic vaccination card, perform the following steps:

• Step 1 – Visit www.moh.gov.jm
• Step 2 – Scroll to to vaccination resources and click ‘get and validate a COVID-19 vaccination certification‘
• Step 3 – Click the link – get vaccination certificate
• Step 4 – Once in the portal, click download enter your 10-digit number (phone number)
• Step 5 – Enter your four-digit one-time password (OTP)
• Step 6 – Log into portal and select the option to scan the QR code
• Step 7 – Preview the card before downloading, if there is incorrect information revisit the Ministry’s website to verify your vaccination details and follow the instructions provided
• Step 8 – Once through, select I am not a robot and submit
• Step 9 – Visit your gallery to view your card

READ MORE: Electronic Vaccination cards to be made available on MOH website