Do you need the protection of a yellow fever vaccination?
Whether you are travelling for work or for a holiday, it’s important to have the vaccinations that you need well in advance. Yellow fever, in particular, is becoming an increasing concern for travellers as confirmed cases have risen across parts of Africa, Central and South America in the past year alone. So, if you are planning a trip and want to avoid this severe viral disease, read on to find out if you need a yellow fever vaccination.
The yellow fever vaccination
Yellow fever (YF) is a widely known and often dangerous viral disease that is spread by mosquitoes. Outbreaks of this virus are often found in Africa, America, and the Caribbean, and particularly in heavy populated cities and areas where there is an increased risk of transmission.
If you are planning to travel to areas that have reported cases of YF, or to areas that require you to have a vaccination certificate, then you will need a yellow fever vaccination whilst travelling. This straightforward immunisation process is delivered as one injection to your upper arm and will protect you from the virus whilst travelling, so let’s explore everything you need to know about this life-saving vaccination.
Do I need this vaccination?
The vaccine is recommended for travellers who are travelling to any part of the world where YF is an ongoing risk. These areas include, but are not limited to:
- Peru
- Uganda
- The Republic of Congo
- Ecuador
- Angola
- Columbia
- Venezuela
- Central African Republic
- Trinidad
Full details of all the countries that recommend or require vaccinations can be found on a NHS website (fit for travel). Please be aware that this particular vaccine may not be the only one that you need when travelling to one of these areas. Please make sure that you always research and receive the recommended vaccinations well in advance of your travel date.
When should I have this vaccination?
To allow enough time for the vaccine to work and provide you with the best protection, you should schedule your vaccination appointment for at least 10 days before you travel. Planning in advance is particularly important if you or your child has recently received the MMR vaccine, as you will need to leave at least 4 weeks before having the YF vaccine.
What prevents me from having this vaccine?
There are a number of factors that prevent someone from receiving the vaccine, so if any of the following apply to you, you will not be able to have this vaccination:
- Babies under 6 months old.
- Individuals with a weakened immune system, including a system that has been weakened by treatment.
- Individuals who are allergic to vaccine ingredients.
- Individuals who have had severe reactions to previous vaccines.
- Individuals with a thymus gland disorder.
- Individuals over 60 travelling to low-risk areas where a vaccine is not recommended or required.
- Individuals with close relatives who have had severe vaccine reactions.
- Individuals who have vaccinated previously
- Older individuals (assessed on a case by case basis)
Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, along with those aged 60 and over and babies under 9 months of age, are able to have this vaccine after receiving specialist advice and a full risk assessment. This vaccination is then only given if travel to a high-risk area is essential, and those who are at-risk should continue to avoid travelling to areas that have high numbers of YF cases.
What should I do afterwards?
Once you have been vaccinated, you will receive your vaccination certificate which is valid for life. There are a number of countries that require you to show this certificate as proof of vaccination before you can enter in order to keep the rates of infection low, so it is important that you keep this certificate safe.
The vaccine lasts for a lifetime for most people, but mosquitoes and other insects spread other serious illnesses, so don’t forget to take precautions to prevent insect bites whilst travelling. This is particularly important for those who remain at ongoing risk of infection, and re-vaccination for these people is considered on an individual basis, so be sure to get in touch with our team if you have any questions after your appointment.
Book your vaccination appointment today
As an approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, we are here to provide you and your travelling companions with all the information, advice, and vaccinations that you need for a safe and healthy journey.