What should you know about certificate of yellow fever vaccination?

The certificate links your identity with a documented yellow fever vaccination, the date it was given and the authorised clinic or professional who recorded it. It is separate from a general vaccination history. Border authorities may ask for it when you arrive from, or transit through, an area where yellow fever transmission occurs. Requirements can depend on the countries on your itinerary and the nature of your transit.

Arrange a travel health consultation well before departure. Take your itinerary, passport details, medical history and vaccination records. A clinician can discuss whether yellow fever vaccination is recommended or required, complete the certificate correctly and explain precautions. The vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, so pregnancy, immune conditions, allergies and certain medicines should be discussed before vaccination. Keep the original certificate safe and carry it during travel.

Seek medical advice before vaccination if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, have had a serious vaccine reaction or take medicines that affect immunity. After vaccination, urgent help is needed for trouble breathing, facial swelling, collapse or other severe symptoms. Contact a clinician for persistent or worsening illness after travel, especially with fever or jaundice.

Ask whether your route requires a certificate, when vaccination should be given, whether a medical exemption is relevant, how the certificate will be completed, and what to do if the document is lost.