Yellow fever and pregnancy

Yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes in some destinations and can cause serious illness. The yellow fever vaccine contains a live, weakened virus. Pregnancy does not lead to a single answer for every traveller: a clinician weighs the likelihood of exposure during the trip against the reasons a live vaccine may be deferred.

Changing or postponing travel may be part of the discussion when exposure is avoidable. A certificate requested at a border is a separate issue from whether vaccination is clinically appropriate; ask about both before you travel.

Contact an obstetric clinician or travel-health service as soon as you are considering travel. Provide exact destinations, planned activities, dates, transit countries, pregnancy details, medical conditions, medicines and previous yellow fever vaccine history.

If travel goes ahead, use rigorous bite prevention. Wear covering clothing when practical, apply a pregnancy-appropriate insect repellent as advised, and reduce time in places with heavy mosquito activity. Seek local advice about accommodation and daytime mosquito exposure.

After vaccination, call emergency services for breathing problems, swelling of the mouth or throat, collapse, or widespread hives. During pregnancy, urgent assessment is warranted for fever after travel to a yellow fever risk area, especially with severe headache, yellowing of the eyes or skin, repeated vomiting, marked weakness, or reduced fetal movement.

Ask whether the travel can be changed, what yellow fever exposure applies to your route, and whether a vaccination certificate or medical waiver may be relevant. Ask how to choose repellent and what symptoms should prompt medical review while away.