Getting the yellow fever vaccine: what to know

Yellow fever is an infection spread by mosquitoes in some regions. Vaccination helps protect eligible travellers, but it is only one part of prevention; mosquito-bite avoidance remains important. A travel clinician considers your itinerary, departure date, age, pregnancy or breastfeeding, immune system, thymus history, allergies and previous vaccination. Some people may need specialist advice or a medical waiver instead of vaccination.

Arrange a travel-health appointment well before departure and bring your itinerary, vaccination history and full medicine list. Ask whether your route passes through a risk area and whether an entry certificate is relevant. Wear clothing that limits exposed skin and use suitable mosquito protection while travelling. After vaccination, follow the clinic's advice about expected local or general reactions and keep your record safely.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, collapse, widespread hives, severe weakness, confusion or a rapidly worsening illness after vaccination. Contact the vaccination service if you are unsure whether a reaction is expected, particularly if fever or symptoms persist.

Ask whether vaccination is suitable for you, how early it should be given, what side effects to expect, and whether your route requires a certificate. Ask what alternatives apply if a medical condition makes vaccination unsuitable and how to prevent mosquito bites.