Yellow fever vaccination

Yellow fever is found in countries with tropical climates including sub-Saharan Africa (especially Ethiopia, Nigeria and Kenya) and South America (especially Brazil, Peru and Columbia).

Vaccination is the best protection against yellow fever.

Avoiding mosquito bites: Use of insect repellents, mosquito nets and coils should be considered. Appropriate clothing, including long sleeve tops and trousers, is recommended.

There is one licenced vaccine which helps to protect against yellow fever.

Yellow fever vaccinations can only be given at accredited centres, such as JA Medical.

Some countries require an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP) in order to gain entry. Other countries may request to see the certificate if you have recently visited an infected area, or travelled through the airport of any infected area. Failure to comply may result in being quarantined for several days.

The vaccine is advised and sometimes necessary for people travelling to high risk places where yellow fever may occur. At Cosmopolitan Medical Clinic, our doctor or nurse will advise if you should consider having this vaccine. Women who are either pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss their itinerary and risk profile with our travel nurse.

There is no specific treatment for yellow fever. Intensive care treatment is necessary for severe cases.

The vaccine is given as a single dose. This provides lifetime protection. A booster dose is needed to maintain protection after 10 years, only if you plan to travel to an area where the disease is present.

The vaccine is suitable for all travellers over the age of 9 months. You should have the yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before you travel. This will allow enough time for your body to develop protection against the yellow fever infection. The certificate will only become valid 10 days after you have the yellow fever vaccination.

Each dose costs £80