Is it possible to get vaccinated while being in Belgium as a foreign student?

I am a Russian citizen who plans to spend some time for a research trip in Belgium in spring 2022.

I know that study visas are being issued, but, as I am locally vaccinated and thus without an EU-style vaccination document, I am wondering: would it be possible for a foreign student while in Belgium to get vaccinated locally and thus receive one?

To which extent is it even possible to function in Belgium without a local vaccination confirmation? I find conflicting information, from “absolutely without limits, as long as not visiting public events and museums” to “absolutely everything is closed unless with an EU-accredited vaccine”.

Best Answer

Receiving a vaccination as a foreigner

As pointed by @Traveller in the comments, yes, you can get vaccinated as soon as you get your BIS number, which your school will coordinate. So if you go for J&J, you'll be fully vaccinated within 1 month of arrival at the latest.

Getting a vaccine certificate

If you got an EMA-approved vaccine (which doesn't include Sputnik V) and the BIS, you can request that your GP validate your vaccine, and you'll get a local vaccine certificate (CST).

What is possible without a valid certificate

That will depend largely on where you're going to be (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels or German-speaking community), as additional measures are in place at the regional level. The source I linked below provides the links to the specific regions

On a general level, you'll be able to (with a face mask when in public spaces):