Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever. Mosquitoes have a lot to answer for. As well as spreading Dengue Fever, Malaria and Zika Virus they also carry Yellow Fever, a horrible infection that can cause death in serious cases. Here’s what you need to know about yellow fever immunisation.

Yellow Fever Vaccination at a Glance

Schedule: Single Dose
Price: £71 per dose
Risk Areas: Sub Saharan Africa and South America

Yellow Fever in Africa

Yellow Fever is found in most countries in sub Saharan Africa. At-risk African nations include Ethiopia, Nigeria and Kenya.

About Yellow Fever?

Yellow Fever is an acute infection spread by infected mosquitoes. It affects the liver and kidneys. The symptoms range from basic aches, fever and headache to extreme light sensitivity and vomiting but can progress to jaundice, sometimes even haemorrhages and organ failure. At its most severe, yellow fever is fatal.

Common yellow fever symptoms emerge in three stages:

Stage 1 – Infection. Headache, aching muscles and joints, fever, flushed red skin, lost appetite, vomiting and jaundice

Stage 2 – Remission. When the symptoms go away

Stage 3 – Intoxication. Problems with your organs, including the heart, liver and kidney.

Yellow Fever in South America

Yellow Fever is found across most countries in South America. You should take particular care in Brazil, Peru and Colombia.

Avoiding Yellow Fever

Your best bet is immunisation. But if you’re planning a trip to a high risk area, it’s also really important to be mosquito-aware and cut the risk of being bitten in the first place.

Protect exposed skin with an insect repellent including a high concentration of DEET,
Sleep under a large mosquito net, ideally one treated with insecticide,
Cover up your skin, especially after dark when the insects are most active,
Use a plug-in insecticide device or a mosquito coil,
Steer clear of fresh, still water where the insects breed, places like ponds, puddles and lakes.

Although Yellow Fever isn’t present in Asia, the mosquitoes that spread it are. There’s an ongoing risk of the disease being introduced to Asia from Africa or South America, and most Asian countries insist on proof of immunisation. We can provide you with a Yellow Fever Certificate to prove you’ve been vaccinated.

Some countries won’t let you in unless you can show them an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP). Others will want to see your certificate if you’ve recently visited an infected area or travelled through the airport in an infected area.

Yellow Fever Vaccination

The Yellow Fever Vaccine is suitable for all travellers over the age of nine months old. There are a few exceptions, such as those who are pregnant or breast feeding. The vaccination for yellow fever consists of one injection. Once the protection fades, after a decade or so, you might need a booster if you’re visiting an at-risk country.

Course: One injection, and you’re usually fully immune by 7-10 days afterwards.
Booster: vaccine lasts for life.
Side effects: Local pain, redness, inflammation, flu like symptoms.
Special instructions: Best taken at least 10 days before you travel. Licensed for children from 9 months old. May not be suitable during pregnancy, for people over 60 years of age and babies aged 6 – 9 months.
Special Certificate Requirements: Yes, for some countries.
Length of Protection: Lifetime.
Vaccination Cost: One dose of the vaccine is £71.

Consultations

Want to book a yellow fever vaccination? You may simply want to explore the risks or find out more first. It’s quick and easy to book an appointment, either by phone or via our website. Call 0203 488 7351 to talk to a friendly, expert vaccination specialist.

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