Publication date: 08.09.2025
What is a health book and why is it important?
А medical certificate - Sanitary and Epidemiological Authority book is a medical document required in many professions. Its purpose is to confirm that a given person does not pose a sanitary and epidemiological threat. It allows an employee to perform professional duties in an environment where there is a risk of transmitting infectious diseases.
The document is issued after analyzing the results of laboratory tests and a visit to an occupational medicine specialist. On this basis, a medical certificate for sanitary and epidemiological purposes is issued, which determines the right to employment.
What are the costs of obtaining a health book in Poland?
The cost of obtaining a health certificate is not fixed and depends on the place of residence, the chosen laboratory and the type of research.
A medical certificate for sanitary and epidemiological purposes usually ranges from PLN 150 to PLN 300.
Typical fees include:
- laboratory tests (three stool samples collected on different days);
- analysis of the results;
- an appointment with an occupational medicine doctor;
- issuing a medical certificate and a sanitary and epidemiological record book.
In many cases, the employer covers the costs, especially in public catering and large food factories. Students and pupils may pay less if the educational institution cooperates with the laboratory.
What tests and vaccinations are required to obtain it?
To obtain a sanitary and epidemiological medical certificate, it is necessary to undergo appropriate tests.
These most often include:
- stool tests for the presence of pathogenic bacteria (such as salmonella or shigella);
- a medical interview conducted by a doctor; if necessary, protective vaccinations, for example, against hepatitis B, are required by the nature of the work.
After analyzing the results, the doctor issues a medical certificate on ability to work , confirming the absence of contraindications due to health conditions.
Medical certificate for sanitary-epidemiological purposes - how much is it valid? It is valid indefinitely, unless the employee's health condition or the nature of his work changes. In this case, a re-examination and issuance of a new certificate may be required.
Where is a medical book needed? Work, study, travel.
A health book is important in many areas of professional and educational life.
- Work: public catering, food sales, dairy and meat processing, kitchens in schools and kindergartens, medical and cosmetic professions.
- Schools and universities: students during teaching and medical internships, as well as employees of childcare facilities.
- Travel and work abroad: Many countries require the presentation of a valid health certificate and a medical certificate for sanitary and epidemiological purposes.
The absence of a medical certificate confirming fitness for work may prevent employment in certain industries.
What are the responsibilities of the holder of a health certificate?
Having a health certificate entails several obligations:
- regularly renewing medical examinations if required by a doctor or employer;
- keeping the document in good condition and presenting it at the workplace;
- knowing the rules regarding the validity period of a medical certificate for sanitary and epidemiological purposes - in practice, the document is usually valid indefinitely, but employers have the right to require updated examinations when changing positions or if a contagious disease is suspected.
What are the consequences of not having a health certificate?
How long is a medical certificate valid? The absence of a medical certificate or an invalid sanitary and epidemiological certificate can lead to serious consequences:
- For the employee - the inability to work in their chosen profession, and sometimes even immediate dismissal;
- for the employer - the inability to hire people without the necessary tests.
From a legal point of view, the obligation to provide up-to-date tests lies with both the employee and the employer.
How to get a medical book? Step-by-step procedure.
How to obtain a medical certificate for sanitary-epidemiological purposes:
- Referral – received from the employer or self-referral to the laboratory.
- Laboratory tests – stool samples for salmonella and shigella
- .
Doctor’s appointment – the employee’s doctor analyzes the results and issues a medical certificate for sanitary and epidemiological purposes.
Issuance of a medical book – the laboratory or sanitary and epidemiological station supplements the document with records.
Document submission – the employee presents the medical book to the employer, educational institution or university.
The entire process takes from several days to about two weeks, depending on the waiting time for the test results.
Frequently asked questions
Question
What is a medical book and why do I need it?
Answer
A medical book, also known as a sanitary-epidemiological book, contains a medical certificate for sanitary and epidemiological reasons. It is mandatory for professions related to food, education and healthcare and protects workers.
Question
What tests are required to obtain a health certificate?
Answer
Stool tests for salmonella and shigella, a medical interview and sometimes vaccination are required. Based on this, the doctor issues a medical certificate for sanitary and epidemiological purposes, which confirms fitness for work.
Question
Where can I get a health certificate?
Answer
A health certificate can be obtained from laboratories cooperating with the Sanitary and Epidemiological Station (Sanepid), or from a trade union doctor. First, tests are performed, and then the doctor issues a medical certificate (Sanepid), which serves as the basis for issuing the document.
Question
How much does a health certificate cost?
Answer
The average cost of a health certificate in Poland is from 150 to 300 PLN, which includes tests and a doctor's visit. The price depends on the city and laboratory. The employer often covers the costs if the document is needed for work. It is worth checking who is responsible for financing the tests.
Question
How long is a medical certificate valid?
Answer
A medical certificate for sanitary-epidemiological purposes is most often considered an indefinite document. However, the doctor determines how to obtain a medical certificate for sanitary and epidemiological purposes. The employer may require repeated tests, for example, if there is a change of job or if there is a suspicion of a disease.
Question
For which industries do you need a medical certificate?
Answer
Medicaland the certificate is required in public catering, food retail, food production, education, medicine and cosmetology. A sanitary and epidemiological medical certificate allows the employer to be sure that the employee does not pose a threat to others.
In summary, a sanitary-epidemiological medical certificate is not only a formal requirement in many industries, but, above all, guarantees sanitary and epidemiological safety in the workplace. Obtaining this certificate involves the costs of medical examinations and consultations, but in many cases they are covered by the employer. Therefore, it is worth ensuring this at the stage of employment. The best solution is a consultation on legal employment in Poland to make sure that all legal and medical requirements are met.
