Yellow fever is a serious disease caused by a virus spread by infected mosquitos, although it can’t be spread directly from person to person. Symptoms of the disease begin with fever, headache, chills, nausea, or vomiting, and can progress to jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), liver, kidney, respiratory failure, and death. Yellow fever occurs mainly in certain parts of Africa and tropical South America.

The yellow fever vaccine can prevent yellow fever. It’s given as a single shot at least 10 days prior to travel. Booster shots are recommended for people who remain at risk.

The yellow fever vaccine is only administered at approved vaccination centers that can provide the traveler with a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). This certificate is valid for 10 years from the 10th day after vaccination and is required to enter certain countries.

• People ages 9+ traveling to countries that require proof of yellow fever vaccination

• People ages 9+ traveling to parts of South America and Africa where the risk of yellow fever is known to exist

• Laboratory personnel or anyone who may have been exposed to the yellow fever virus

• Children ages 6 months and under

• Anyone with moderate or severe illness should wait until they recover to be vaccinated

• People with an allergy or hypersensitivity to eggs, chicken and gelatin

• People who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and nursing mothers

• People shouldn’t get this vaccine if they have a weakened immune system for any reason, including:

o HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system

o Taking medications that weaken the immune system

o Treatment with steroids, such as prednisone, for 2 weeks or longer

o People with cancer or undergoing cancer treatment

• People with a history of thymus disease, including myasthenia gravis, thymoma, or prior removal of thymus gland

• Those who previously had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to the vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine

• People who have received another live vaccine within the last 4 weeks

Mild-to-moderate side effects:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site

• Fever, headache and muscle aches

Severe side effects, although rare, may include serious allergic reactions. Symptoms include:

• Severe nervous system reactions

• Life-threatening illness with major organ system failure

• Difficulty breathing

• Wheezing

• Hives

• Pale skin

• Fast heartbeat

• Dizziness

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease pain and reduce fever. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any unexpected or worsening reactions after receiving a vaccine.