What should you know about polio and yellow fever vaccine?

Polio can damage the nervous system and is prevented through a vaccination course and recommended boosters. Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause fever and serious illness affecting the liver and other organs. One vaccine does not replace the other because they target different infections.

Yellow fever vaccination may be considered for travel to places where transmission occurs, and some destinations may ask for proof of vaccination. Requirements can change with the itinerary, transit route and entry rules, so a travel-health clinician should check the current plan.

Book a travel-health appointment early and bring your itinerary, transit points, vaccination record, pregnancy status, immune conditions, allergies and medicines. Ask whether polio protection needs an update and whether yellow fever vaccination is suitable for you.

Mosquito precautions still matter after vaccination: use repellent as directed, wear covering clothing and choose screened or air-conditioned accommodation when available. Carry the vaccination certificate if the clinician provides one. Read more about [Yellow Fever Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/yellow-fever-vaccination/).

Get urgent help for trouble breathing, facial swelling, collapse or a rapidly spreading rash after vaccination. During or after travel, seek prompt care for high fever, confusion, severe weakness, jaundice, repeated vomiting or unusual bleeding.

Tell the clinician where you travelled and when symptoms began. A fever after mosquito exposure has several possible causes and should not be self-diagnosed as yellow fever.

Ask which vaccines your itinerary requires, whether transit counts, when each dose should be given, what certificate is needed, and whether an immune condition or medicine changes the yellow fever recommendation.