The yellow fever vaccine may help protect you against the yellow fever virus, a potentially fatal disease. It’s recommended for most people who are traveling to high risk areas.
The yellow virus is found in parts of South America and Africa. It’s transmitted through the bite of mosquitos that have the virus, not from person to person.
Healthcare organizations like the
Some people with yellow fever only experience flu-like symptoms and recover completely after a short time. Others, however, may develop a severe form of the infection that may be life threatening.
Experts estimate that up to
Keep reading to learn more about how the vaccine works, when to get it, who should get it, and any possible side effects.
The yellow fever vaccine causes your immune system to produce antibodies against the virus.
It should be administered via injection at an authorized yellow fever vaccination center at least 10 days before traveling to a place with a high risk of yellow fever exposure.
After getting vaccinated, you will receive an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), known as a “yellow card.” This document confirms you have been vaccinated and is valid for life, starting 10 days after being vaccinated.
If you live in the United States, consider visiting the CDC’s Yellow Fever Vaccination Clinic directory to find a clinic near you.
How long does a yellow fever vaccine last for?
For most people, one dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong immunity. This means you only need to get it once.
In some cases, you may need to get another yellow fever vaccine before your following visit to a high risk country.
This may be the case if you were pregnant, younger than 2 years old, or had a weakened immune system during your first vaccination. You may
- you’ve since gotten a bone marrow transplant
- you’re regularly exposed to yellow fever, such as in a laboratory setting
- your last vaccine was more than 10 years ago and you will be in a high risk setting
A healthcare professional could offer you further guidance on your personal circumstances.
As with most vaccines, it’s possible to experience some mild side effects from the yellow fever vaccine.
Around 1 in 3 people may experience the following mild side effects, according to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS):
- fever
- headache
- muscle aches
- mild joint pain
- soreness, skin discoloration, or swelling around the injection site
These side effects usually begin shortly after the injection and can last up to 14 days.
Are there any serious side effects?
In very rare cases, you may experience serious side effects from the yellow fever vaccine,
- anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
- encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord covering)
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
- organ failure
After receiving the vaccine, you will most likely be asked to stay in the clinic for a short period to ensure you don’t experience any symptoms of anaphylaxis.
When to get immediate medical attentionGet immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- hives
- wheezing
- coughing
- chest pain or tightness
- trouble breathing
- high fever
- swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
- dizziness, confusion, or extreme fatigue
- blue or grey-ish skin, tongue, or lips
The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for people ages
You may also require the yellow fever vaccine if:
- you’re traveling to a country that requires proof of yellow fever immunization
- you may come into contact with the yellow fever virus, such as laboratory workers or healthcare professionals
Can people over 60 years old get the yellow fever vaccine?
Yes, people ages 60 years and older can get the yellow fever vaccine if traveling to a high risk area is unavoidable.
However, the vaccine is not recommended if you are not traveling to a high risk area. This is because people ages 60 years and older have a
Healthcare organizations like the
- are younger than 6 months old
- are older than 59 years old and are not traveling to a high risk area
- have a weakened immune system, such as due to HIV, leukemia, or chemotherapy
- have had a severe reaction to egg, gelatin, or other ingredients of the vaccine
- have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine
- have had your thymus removed or have a thymus condition
- have a close relative who experienced severe complications from the vaccine
In addition, people who are pregnant or nursing should only be vaccinated if there’s an unavoidable risk or protection against mosquito bites isn’t possible.
In some circumstances, people advised not to get the yellow fever vaccine may do so if traveling to a high risk country is unavoidable, or if the risks of yellow fever infection are greater than those from the vaccine.
This may include people:
- over age 60 years
- ages 6 to 9 months
- who are pregnant or chestfeeding
- who have a chronic inflammatory health condition
- who have HIV
If any of these factors apply to you, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before getting the yellow fever vaccine. They could help you determine whether the yellow fever vaccine is a good option.
The yellow fever vaccine is only given to people traveling to countries where the risk of exposure to yellow fever is high. The vaccine is recommended for people ages 9 months to 59 years, with some exceptions.
If travel to a high risk country is unavoidable, a person over 60 years old may get the yellow fever vaccine.
However, the yellow fever vaccine is not recommended for people ages 60 years and older who are not traveling to a high risk area. This is because there is a higher risk of developing life threatening complications, such as organ failure.
It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before getting the vaccine. They can do a full health assessment to weigh the benefits and risks.
You may be able to travel to countries that don’t require proof that you had the yellow fever vaccine, such as in the form of the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). If a country requires the ICVP, you must have the yellow fever vaccine and your ICVP to enter.
Yellow fever is a serious illness, so it’s important to get vaccinated if you plan to be in an area where the virus is common.
If you’re not sure if you should get the vaccine, talk with a doctor. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks.
Keep in mind that the vaccine isn’t foolproof. When traveling to areas with the yellow fever virus, it’s important to still protect yourself against mosquito bites by using nets, insect repellants, and protective clothing.