Yellow Fever Immunisation

Yellow fever is a very serious and potentially fatal disease caused by a virus transferred from mosquitoes. Symptoms can include jaundice, fever, vomiting and bleeding. There is no cure; this is what makes yellow fever immunisation so important.

Travellers will require immunisation before travelling to high risk areas. Most countries will require proof of your yellow fever immunisation if you are travelling to or from a high risk area. Workers who handle material from risk areas will also need to be immunised as there is a chance of infection from the material.

It is important to be vaccinated for Yellow fever at least 10 days prior to your travel date. This is because immunisation does not take affect until around 10 days after the vaccination. The vaccine lasts for approximately 10 years and it recommended that if you live in a risk area, you should obtain a top up vaccine every 10 years.

If you are pregnant, have a low immunity or are taking immunosuppressive drugs, are receiving medical treatment, or have an allergy to eggs you should not undergo yellow fever immunisation. Talk to your doctor who will be able to give you advice on whether you can proceed.