Yellow fever vaccine-associated neurotropic disease: what to know

This term is used for an uncommon group of serious neurological reactions that may occur after yellow fever vaccination. The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Symptoms that concern clinicians can include a severe or persistent headache, confusion, unusual drowsiness, weakness, difficulty walking, changes in sensation, a stiff neck, seizures, or new problems with vision or speech.

Many people have mild short-lived effects after a vaccine, such as soreness, tiredness, headache or fever. Those symptoms are different from signs of nervous-system illness, especially when symptoms become more severe, involve weakness or altered awareness, or do not follow an expected recovery.

Keep the vaccination date and clinic contact details available. If you develop a new symptom that worries you, contact the vaccinating clinic or another clinician and explain that you recently received yellow fever vaccine. Give a clear timeline, describe changes in function, and list medicines or other vaccines received. Do not drive yourself if you are dizzy, confused, weak, or having visual changes.

Yellow Fever Vaccination information can help you prepare for a vaccination appointment and discuss your individual risks and travel needs beforehand.

Get emergency medical care for a seizure, loss of consciousness, confusion, severe weakness, trouble speaking, new facial drooping, severe headache with a stiff neck, or difficulty breathing. Seek prompt clinical advice for worsening headache, persistent fever with unusual sleepiness, tingling with weakness, poor balance, or vision changes after vaccination. These warning signs need assessment because they can have several causes and should not be managed at home.

Ask which symptoms after vaccination require urgent care, whether your medical history changes vaccine suitability, and what information emergency clinicians should receive if you become unwell. Tell the clinician about immune conditions, neurological illness, pregnancy, breastfeeding and prior serious vaccine reactions.