What should you know about getting a yellow fever vaccine?

Yellow fever is an infection spread by infected mosquitoes in parts of Africa and South America. Vaccination trains the immune system to recognise the virus before a person is exposed. It is intended for people travelling to, living in, or passing through places where yellow fever transmission occurs, and it may also be relevant when an entry authority asks for proof of vaccination.

The vaccine is a live vaccine, so a clinician needs to review your health history before recommending it. Tell them about pregnancy, immune-system problems, thymus disorders, severe allergies, and medicines that affect immunity. Age, destination, route, and the length of time before departure can all affect the advice.

Book a travel-health appointment as soon as your itinerary is known. Take your passport, destination list, travel dates, vaccination history, allergy details, and medication list. A clinician can check whether vaccination is recommended for each part of the journey and explain any certificate or documentation you may need.

After vaccination, continue preventing mosquito bites: use an appropriate repellent, wear clothing that covers the skin, and sleep in a screened or air-conditioned room when possible. The vaccine does not protect against other mosquito-borne infections.

Seek urgent medical help after vaccination for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, widespread hives, fainting, or rapidly worsening dizziness, as these can signal a serious allergic reaction. Contact a clinician promptly for a high fever, severe headache, confusion, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or unusual weakness after travel to a risk area. Mention your travel history and vaccination date.

Ask whether your destination and route call for vaccination, whether your medical history changes the recommendation, when you should receive it before departure, and what alternatives or documentation apply if vaccination is not suitable.