If you searched for a Yellow Fever vaccine near me, you’ve come to the right place. Learn more about Yellow Fever and find out if the yellow fever vaccine is right for you.
- Yellow Fever is a potentially fatal viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, and there is no cure.
- Yellow Fever is endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa and in the Amazon basin in South America.
- You may require an official certification of Yellow Fever vaccination if your itinerary includes parts of South America or Africa.
- The Yellow Fever vaccine is only available from a certified Yellow Fever Vaccine clinic.
- Whether you should receive a yellow fever vaccine requires a consultation with a travel health specialist to discuss the risks and benefits of receiving the vaccine.
Yellow Fever: A Serious Disease with No Available Treatment.
Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Travelers visiting regions where yellow fever is endemic face significant health risks, including severe complications and high mortality rates. The disease gets its name from the jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) that affects some patients. Yellow fever symptoms can range from mild to severe, potentially leading to organ failure, bleeding, and even death. There is no effective treatment available for Yellow Fever.
Where Is Yellow Fever a Risk?
Yellow fever is found in two regions worldwide: Sub-Saharan Africa and Tropical South America.
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- In West Africa, countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire have a high risk of yellow fever. Popular safari destinations in East Africa, including Kenya and Uganda, are also endemic for the disease.
- In South America, yellow fever is present in regions of the Amazon River basin, including most of Brazil, Colombia, and Bolivia. Travelers visiting Peru or Ecuador are at risk only if they venture east of the Andes Mountains into the Amazon rainforest.
Is a Yellow Fever Vaccination Required for Travel?
Many countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing travelers to enter. In some cases, proof of vaccination is necessary to obtain a visa.
Whether you need a yellow fever shot for travel depends on your itinerary. A travel health specialist can assess your risk and advise if the vaccine is required or recommended for your trip.
Who Should Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
Even if a country does not require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, the vaccine may still be strongly recommended for travelers visiting yellow fever-endemic regions.
Adults and children traveling to these areas should receive the yellow fever shot, especially if they:
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- Plan to spend time outdoors, particularly during the wet season when mosquitoes are more prevalent.
- Are visiting friends and family in an endemic country.
- Will be staying for an extended period.
Do I Need the Yellow Fever Vaccine for Travel?
Determining whether the yellow fever vaccine is safe and appropriate for you requires a consultation with a travel health specialist trained to administer the vaccine. They will assess your medical history, discuss the risks and benefits, and help you make an informed decision.
In rare cases, individuals with certain medical conditions may face a higher risk of vaccine complications than the risk of acquiring yellow fever itself. In these situations, a medical waiver may be issued, which serves as official documentation to satisfy entry requirements. However, travelers with a waiver should take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
If you’re planning international travel, TravelBug Health is a certified yellow fever vaccination center with the expertise to help you determine whether you need the yellow fever shot for travel.
Who Should NOT Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
The yellow fever vaccine is a live, attenuated vaccine, which means it provides strong immunity but may not be safe for everyone. The vaccine should NOT be given to:
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- Infants under 9 months old
- Pregnant individuals or those planning pregnancy soon
- Individuals with weakened immune systems (e.g., those undergoing cancer treatment)
If you have medical conditions that increase the risk of vaccine complications, your travel health specialist may discuss alternative travel plans or issue a medical waiver that satisfies the vaccination requirement.
Where to Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine:
The yellow fever vaccine is only available at certified yellow fever immunization clinics, including TravelBug Health. Proof of vaccination must be recorded on an official WHO-approved International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly known as the “yellow card.”
Yellow Fever Vaccine and Special Considerations:
Yellow Fever Vaccine and Biologic Medications
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- Individuals taking biologic agents for conditions like Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or eczema may need to temporarily stop or adjust their medication schedule before receiving the yellow fever shot. A specialist should be consulted before vaccination.
Yellow Fever Vaccine for Travelers Over 60
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- Adults over 60 have a slightly increased risk of complications from the yellow fever vaccine, with risk increasing further after age 65. A travel health specialist can help determine if vaccination is appropriate based on individual health status and travel plans.
How Long Does Yellow Fever Vaccination Last?
Historically, a booster dose was required every 10 years. However, as of 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes yellow fever vaccination as providing lifetime protection. While most travelers will not need a booster, some individuals at higher risk may still benefit from an additional dose.
How to Prevent Yellow Fever: Mosquito Bite Protection Tips for Travelers
Since yellow fever is spread through mosquito bites, taking measures to avoid mosquito exposure is essential – especially if you’re traveling during rainy season or spending significant time outdoors.
To reduce your risk of contracting yellow fever and other mosquito-borne diseases:
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- Wear protective clothing – Opt for long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored clothing, as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
- Use insect repellent – Apply an insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin.
- Stay in screened or air-conditioned areas – When possible, sleep in rooms with air conditioning or use bed nets to prevent mosquito bites.
- Be extra cautious during peak mosquito hours – Mosquitoes that spread yellow fever are most active during the daytime, particularly around dawn and dusk.
By combining yellow fever vaccination with mosquito bite prevention, travelers can significantly lower their risk of infection while visiting high-risk areas.
Yellow Fever Vaccine – The Essentials
Yellow fever vaccination is an important but sometimes complex aspect of travel health. Whether it is required or recommended depends on your specific destination and medical history.
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- The yellow fever shot is only available at certified vaccination centers.
- A pre-travel consultation with a specialist ensures you meet entry requirements and understand the risks and benefits.
- Medical waivers may be available for those who cannot receive the vaccine due to health conditions.
Get Your Yellow Fever Vaccination at TravelBug Health
TravelBug Health is a certified yellow fever vaccination center. We always have the yellow fever vaccine in stock, and our travel health specialist is highly experienced in helping travelers determine if the vaccine is right for them.
Call today to schedule your pre-travel consultation or contact us with any questions!