What should you know about yellow fever immunisation?

Yellow fever is a viral illness passed to people through infected mosquito bites. Some destinations have local transmission, while other countries require proof of vaccination from certain arriving travellers. The right advice depends on your exact itinerary, including airport transits, rural travel, and any countries visited before arrival.

A travel-health clinician can check whether vaccination is recommended for personal protection, required for entry, or unnecessary for your route. They will also consider previous yellow fever vaccination and your health history.

Arrange a travel consultation well before departure so there is time to discuss the vaccine and obtain any required documentation. Take your itinerary, planned departure date, previous vaccination record, current medicines, allergies, pregnancy status, and information about immune-system conditions.

Vaccination does not replace bite prevention. Use an appropriate insect repellent, wear clothing that covers exposed skin when practical, and use screened or air-conditioned accommodation where available. Review the separate Yellow Fever Vaccination guide for treatment-specific information.

Contact a clinician promptly if you develop fever, severe headache, vomiting, marked weakness, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual bleeding, or confusion during travel or after returning from an area with yellow fever risk. These symptoms need assessment because several travel-related illnesses can cause similar problems.

Seek urgent advice before vaccination if you have had a serious reaction to a vaccine, have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or are travelling with a young child. A clinician can weigh the travel risk against vaccine suitability.

Ask whether your destinations or transit points create a recommendation or entry requirement, whether your medical history changes vaccine suitability, and what certificate you should carry. Also ask which mosquito-avoidance measures fit your accommodation and activities.