Yellow fever
Yellow Fever is a virus + Mosquito-borne disease that is best prevented by vaccination + the avoidance of mosquito bites through use of insect repellent + mosquito nets. This virus is most prevalent during the rainy seasons in Sub-saharan Africa and tropical regions of South America.
VACCINE DETAILS
Indicated for individuals over nine months
Traveling + living in Yellow Fever Risk Zone
0.5 mL subcutaneous administration
One dose with no additional boosters needed
FDA has not approved fractional dosing
CAUTION
Allergy to eggs, chicken, gelatin or latex
Immunocompromised state
Pregnant / breastfeeding
Age less than six months + over sixty
YF-VAX is the only vaccine approved for use in the United States. There have been shortages in recent years that required importation + utilization of Stamaril from Europe. You need to be aware that some countries will not let you in without a Yellow Fever Vaccine. This includes if you have spent an extended layover in a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. This YF vaccine can only be administered in certified centers and you must show adequate documentation + proof of immunization with the International Certificate of Vaccination Card. This certificate is valid 10 days after vaccination and is deemed valid after being stamped + signed at vaccination center.
COUNTRIES REQUIRING YELLOW FEVER VACCINE
Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, The Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo,
Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Togo, Uganda
If you are unable to receive the vaccination because of contraindications you must have a medical waiver. This can be obtained by having a clinician sign the MEDICAL CONTRAINDICATIONS TO VACCINATION section of the International Certificate of Vaccination Card. It is also in the best interest of the traveler to have a signed + dated exemption letter on official stationary with a stamp from a vaccination center. This medical waiver does not guarantee entry + does not protect against contracting Yellow Fever.
The incubation period for Yellow Fever is 3-6 days. Initial symptoms include fever, chills, headache, backache, myalgias, nausea and vomiting. Most patients improve after the initial symptoms however some progress + deteriorate. A more severe form of the disease is marked by jaundice, bleeding, shock and organ failure. There are no treatments for Yellow Fever except for symptomatic and life-saving measures.
If it has been 10 years since your Yellow Fever Vaccine and you will be spending a significant amount of time in a country in the Yellow Fever Risk Zone consider getting a booster.
COUNTRIES WITH RISK OF YELLOW FEVER TRANSMISSION
AFRICA: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Chad, The Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania. Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda
CENTRAL + SOUTH AMERICA: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela
Yellow Fever Vaccination Center Locations can be obtained from visiting the CDC website here.
Remember to review the PASEO HEALTH GUIDE for your chosen destination prior to your departure for more detailed information.
You may also schedule a BESPOKE TRAVEL HEALTH CONSULTATION for a thorough travel health assessment prior to your trip.
Safe Travels!