Is yellow fever vaccination done with a live attenuated vaccine?

The vaccine contains a weakened yellow fever virus. It is designed to train the immune system without causing yellow fever in healthy people. Because it is a live vaccine, the decision to give it depends on personal health, age, pregnancy status, immune function and previous severe reactions to vaccines. The product is different from a vaccine made from an inactivated virus.

A vaccination record or certificate may be relevant when travelling to areas where yellow fever is present or when an entry requirement applies. The vaccine protects against yellow fever; it does not protect against every illness carried by mosquitoes.

Tell the clinician about pregnancy, medicines that suppress immunity, a condition affecting the immune system, an organ transplant, a severe allergy to a previous dose, or a history of problems involving the thymus. Bring your travel itinerary and vaccination record so the clinician can consider timing and documentation.

After vaccination, follow the advice you receive about expected local or general reactions. Use mosquito-bite prevention during travel because vaccination is only one part of protection.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, collapse, confusion, a seizure, or rapidly worsening illness after vaccination. Contact a clinician promptly for a persistent high fever or unusual weakness after the dose, especially if you have an immune problem.

Ask whether this vaccine is suitable for you, whether your travel plans require a certificate, how far before travel it should be given, and what alternative documentation may apply if vaccination is not advised.