Side effects of the yellow fever jab

Most yellow fever jab side effects are mild, such as a sore arm, headache, muscle aches or a low fever, but serious reactions need urgent medical care. These effects reflect the body's immune response and often settle without specific treatment. A vaccine provider should review your health history before vaccination, especially if you have an immune-system problem, a thymus disorder, or a history of severe allergy to a vaccine ingredient.

Tenderness, redness or swelling where the jab was given can occur during the first few days. Tiredness, headache, mild fever, chills or muscle aches may accompany this response. Some people feel faint around the time of an injection; this can be related to the procedure rather than the vaccine itself.

A small number of people develop a more serious vaccine reaction affecting the nervous system or several organs. Warning symptoms can include severe or persistent fever, confusion, unusual sleepiness, stiff neck, weakness, seizures, repeated vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, breathing difficulty, or unusual bleeding. These symptoms are not expected routine reactions.

Rest, drink fluids, and use a cool compress on a tender injection site. Keep track of when symptoms began and whether they are improving. If you need a pain or fever medicine, check with a pharmacist or clinician that it is suitable for you, particularly during pregnancy or if you have liver, kidney or bleeding problems.

Tell the vaccination centre or your doctor about a reaction before receiving another yellow fever dose. Keep your vaccination record, including the date and product name, available for future travel or medical appointments.

Call emergency services immediately for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, widespread hives, collapse, or severe dizziness after vaccination. These can signal a serious allergic reaction.

Seek urgent medical assessment for confusion, a seizure, stiff neck, marked weakness, repeated vomiting, yellow skin or eyes, breathing problems, unusual bleeding, or a high or worsening fever. Contact a clinician if a milder reaction is not easing, interferes with normal activities, or concerns you.

Ask whether your medical conditions, medicines, immune status, pregnancy plans, age, or previous vaccine reactions change the advice for you. You can also ask which symptoms should prompt a same-day call and how to document the reaction for future travel.