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Yellow Fever Vaccinations and Certificates for International Travel

What Is Yellow Fever?

Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne virus found throughout parts of Africa and South America. Unlike many other mosquito-borne infections, vaccines are available to protect against yellow fever. See below to learn more about the virus:

What Are the Symptoms of Yellow Fever?

Most individuals who contract yellow fever will show no symptoms. Some may have mild symptoms like fever, chills, headache or vomiting. The CDC estimates that one in every seven people who show any symptoms will develop a severe case of yellow fever.

Severe cases involve very high fevers, jaundice (yellow skin), bleeding, shock and organ failure. If you develop any of these symptoms while in a region with yellow fever, see a healthcare professional immediately.

How Does Yellow Fever Spread?

Yellow fever spreads to humans through mosquito bites. The virus cannot spread from person to person directly, only via mosquito bites.

Research suggests that most yellow fever outbreaks start with mosquitoes spreading the infection to primates, like monkeys. Other mosquitoes then carry the virus from the primates to humans in other environments, including cities. There, local mosquitoes can carry infection from person-to-person through bites.

Many towns and cities in affected regions regularly fog to kill or ward off mosquitoes, but these efforts do not provide complete protection. Health organizations recommend yellow fever vaccination for regions where the virus may be present.

Which Mosquitoes Carry Yellow Fever?

Yellow fever is primarily carried by Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes.

The Haemagogus mosquito is commonly found in Central and South America. Multiple yellow fever epidemics in those regions have been traced to the Haemagogus mosquito.

Aedes mosquitoes are found throughout the world and carry most mosquito-borne infections, not just yellow fever. The two most common subspecies of Aedes cause yellow fever, dengue and Zika virus, among other infections.

Health authorities recommend using mosquito-preventatives like repellents and netting as well as vaccination to avoid yellow fever and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Is There a Treatment or Cure for Yellow Fever?

There is no medicine or treatment for yellow fever. Most care involves alleviating pain and treating symptoms like headache and fever. Severe cases require hospitalization for close observation and care. Between 30 and 60 percent of individuals who have severe symptoms die from the virus.

What Is the Yellow Fever Vaccine?

The yellow fever vaccine is an injectable immunization the prevents yellow fever. The vaccine is recommended for many countries in Africa and South America, it is required for entry to some nations.

Who Should Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine?

The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for anyone traveling to a region where the virus is present. Individuals under nine-months or over 60-years-old may need to consult further with a healthcare provider before vaccination.

Who Should Not Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine?

Individuals under nine-months or over 60-years-old may need to consult a primary care provider before receiving the yellow fever vaccine. Other individuals who may need to consult a PCP before vaccination include:

• Pregnant women
• Individuals who have had their thymus removed or been diagnosed with a thymus disorder
• Those with a weakened immune system
• People who have had an allergic reaction to the yellow fever vaccine before or have any severe, life threatening allergies
• Those who may have received a vaccine in the last four weeks

If you are traveling to a region where yellow fever vaccination is recommended or required and cannot receive the vaccine, your doctor and a Passport Health professional can fill out a Medical Contraindications to Vaccination portion of your ‘yellow card’ and a waiver letter. Those with a waiver should contact the embassy of the country they will be visiting to ensure they have everything they will need to enter the country with a waiver.

Will I Need a Booster for the Yellow Fever Vaccine?

A single does of the yellow fever vaccine provides lifetime protection against the virus. While lifetime vaccination is recognized by the World Health Organization, some countries still require proof of vaccination within the last ten years for entry. Be sure to check with your Passport Health travel specialist before your trip to see if a second yellow fever immunization may be required for your trip.

Does the Yellow Fever Vaccine Have Any Side Effects?

Yellow fever vaccination side effects are generally mild and common to most vaccines. This includes redness at the injection site or mild muscle ache.

Individuals over 60-years-old or with a weakened immune system may need to consult with their primary care provider before vaccination. Side effects or drug interactions are more common with these groups.

Which Countries Have Yellow Fever?

Over 40 countries have at least some risk of yellow fever transmission including popular destinations like Peru, Brazil and Nigeria. See below to learn more:

Countries Where Yellow Fever Risk Exists

• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Dem. Rep. of Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• French Guiana
• Guinea-Bissau
• Rep. of Congo
• Sierra Leone
• South Sudan
• Trinidad and Tobago

Which Countries Require Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination (Yellow Card)?

Yellow fever is found in various parts of South America and Africa. Travelers to these regions are advised to receive a yellow fever vaccination before travel to the regions. But, some countries require proof of vaccination for entry or proof if arriving from a country with the virus. Learn more below:

Which Countries Require Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination for Entry?

• Central African Rep.
• Republic of Congo

Which Countries Require Proof of Vaccination If Arriving From a Region With Yellow Fever?

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Myanmar (Burma)
• Christmas Island
• Cocos Islands
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• French Polynesia
• New Caledonia
• Norfolk Island
• North Korea
• Papua New Guinea
• Pitcairn Islands
• Saint Helena
• Saint Kitts
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Martin
• Saint Vincent
• Saint-Barthelemy
• Saudi Arabia
• Sint Eustatius
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa

Where Have Yellow Fever Outbreaks Occurred?

Yellow fever is believed to be as much as 3,000 years old. The first recorded outbreak was in the Yucatan Peninsula in 1648. Since that time, other major outbreaks have occurred in Philadelphia, New Orleans, Cuba and Panama.

In recent years, many countries including Kenya, Nigeria, Peru and Brazil have experienced yellow fever outbreaks. The WHO estimates around 170,000 people contract the virus each year, leading to an estimated 60,000 deaths.

Frequently Asked Questions – Yellow Fever

Which yellow fever vaccine can i get.

Currently, only YF-Vax is available in the United States. This vaccine has been available for over 50 years and provides lifetime protection.

Do I Need a Prescription to Get a Yellow Fever Vaccine?

No, a prescription is not required to get a yellow fever vaccine from Passport Health.

Passport Health works directly with nurses and doctors to ensure the highest quality travel health care. We are able to provide the yellow fever, and other key vaccines, to you directly, no need to visit a PCP before coming to us.

You may need to visit or consult with your PCP if you are in a high-risk group and receiving the yellow fever vaccine. Please see our ‘What Is the Yellow Fever Vaccine?’ section above to learn more.

How Long Does the Yellow Fever Vaccine Last?

A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides lifetime protection. But, some countries still require proof of vaccination within the last 10 years. Consult with a Passport Health team member if you are unsure if you need to be re-vaccinated.

What Is the Best Way to Prevent Yellow Fever?

Vaccination is the best way to prevent yellow fever. Mosquito repellents, netting and proper clothing may be recommended depending on where you are traveling and the yellow fever risk.

How Much Does the Yellow Fever Vaccine Cost?

As the yellow fever vaccine is rarely covered by insurance, the vaccination is usually paid for out-of-pocket. Passport Health prides itself on offering competitive, low pricing for this potentially life-saving vaccine.

Where Can I Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine?

The yellow fever vaccine is only available from designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centers. All Passport Health locations provide the yellow fever vaccine. See our locations page to find a clinic near you.

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On This Page: What Is Yellow Fever? What Is the Yellow Fever Vaccine? Which Countries Require Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination (Yellow Card)? Frequently Asked Questions – Yellow Fever

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