Brady Collins
The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for people who are 9 months old or older and are traveling to or living in areas at risk for yellow fever in South America and Africa. The vaccine is a live, weakened form of the virus and provides lifelong protection for most people. However, some people may experience side effects after receiving the vaccine. Mild side effects include headaches, muscle aches, and low-grade fevers. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as allergic reactions, encephalitis, meningitis, or Guillain-Barré syndrome can occur. It is important to consider the risks and benefits of the vaccine and consult a healthcare provider to determine if the vaccine is suitable for your individual circumstances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sickness after vaccine | Mild side effects: headache, muscle aches, low-grade fever, soreness, redness, swelling, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, vision changes, ringing in the ears, fussiness, stomach pain, shivering |
| Serious side effects: anaphylaxis, encephalitis, meningitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, organ dysfunction or failure, swelling of the entire arm or leg, seizures, non-stop crying for 3 hours or more, high fever (over 105°F), vomiting, diarrhoea | |
| Very rare side effects: problems with the brain or other organs | |
| Risk factors: age (60 years and older), weakened immune system, pregnancy, younger than 2 years old during the first vaccination, history of unusual or allergic reactions to medicines or other allergens | |
| Risk mitigation: Consult a healthcare provider to assess risks and benefits, stay in the clinic for observation after vaccination, seek medical advice if feeling very unwell after vaccination | |
| Vaccine effectiveness | Provides lifelong protection for most people, may require a booster dose after 10 years for continuous risk of exposure |
| Availability | Available at authorized vaccination centres, not available for free on the NHS (costs £60-£85) |
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What You'll Learn
Mild side effects
Some of the mild side effects include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Other common side effects are fever, headache, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Some people may also experience nausea, dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears. These side effects usually go away within a few days and rarely require medical attention.
It is important to note that the risk of not being vaccinated usually outweighs the risk of experiencing side effects. However, if you experience any severe or unusual symptoms, such as an allergic reaction, seek medical advice immediately.
Additionally, certain individuals may have an increased risk of developing a reaction to the vaccine. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before receiving the yellow fever vaccine to assess your personal circumstances and determine if you are at a higher risk of experiencing side effects.
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Severe side effects
Although the yellow fever vaccine is considered generally safe, it can cause some side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Severe side effects are rare, but they can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
One of the most serious adverse reactions associated with the yellow fever vaccine is anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing. People with allergies or who have previously experienced allergic reactions to medicines or vaccines should inform their healthcare provider before getting the yellow fever vaccine.
Another severe side effect is encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. This can sometimes lead to swelling of the brain and spinal cord tissues (meningitis). Encephalitis has been observed in both children and adults, although it is more common in younger individuals.
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is another severe adverse reaction to the yellow fever vaccine. GBS is a nervous system disorder where the immune system attacks nerve cells, leading to muscle weakness and, in some cases, paralysis.
In rare instances, the yellow fever vaccine has been associated with organ dysfunction or failure, which is more likely to occur in individuals aged 60 and above or those with weakened immune systems.
It is important to note that the risk of severe side effects is very low, and for most people, the benefits of the vaccine in preventing yellow fever, a potentially fatal disease, far outweigh the risks.
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Booster shots
The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for people who are 9 months or older and are travelling to or living in areas where there is a risk of yellow fever, including parts of South America and Africa. The vaccine is a live, weakened form of the virus, and a single dose typically provides long-lasting protection. However, in certain cases, a booster shot may be recommended.
A booster dose of the yellow fever vaccine may be advised if it has been more than 10 years since the initial vaccination. This is especially relevant for individuals who are continuously at risk of exposure to the virus. Certain countries may also require travellers to present a certificate of vaccination, which is typically valid for 10 years after the first vaccination. Therefore, individuals planning to travel to areas with ongoing outbreaks may consider getting a booster shot if their certificate is no longer valid.
Additionally, a booster dose may be recommended for individuals who were in specific health categories during their first vaccination. This includes individuals who were pregnant, younger than 2 years old, or had a weakened immune system at the time of their initial vaccination. In such cases, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.
While the yellow fever vaccine is generally safe, it is essential to be aware of potential side effects. Mild side effects, such as headaches, muscle aches, and low-grade fevers, are relatively common and usually resolve within a few days. However, in rare cases, more severe side effects, such as allergic reactions, encephalitis, or meningitis, can occur. If any symptoms develop after receiving the vaccine, it is important to seek medical advice, especially if they persist or worsen.
Overall, while booster shots for the yellow fever vaccine are not routinely required, they may be recommended in specific circumstances. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider to determine the need for a booster shot based on individual risk factors and travel plans.
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Who should avoid it
The yellow fever vaccine is generally recommended for people aged 9 months or older who are travelling to or living in areas at risk of yellow fever, including parts of South America and Africa. However, there are certain groups of people who should avoid getting the yellow fever vaccine due to potential health risks.
Firstly, individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV infection or a low count of CD4+ T-lymphocytes, may be advised against receiving the vaccine. This is because they may have an increased risk of developing severe reactions to the vaccine.
Pregnant women should also generally avoid the yellow fever vaccine unless they must travel to areas with an active epidemic of yellow fever and cannot avoid mosquito bites. The decision to vaccinate during pregnancy should be carefully weighed, as there may be potential risks to the foetus. Similarly, breastfeeding women should exercise caution and seek expert advice before receiving the vaccine, as there are limited studies on infant risk.
Additionally, individuals over the age of 60 who are travelling to areas where yellow fever is not endemic are typically advised to avoid the vaccine. This is due to the increased risk of developing complications, such as organ failure, in older adults.
Lastly, people with a history of severe reactions to the vaccine or its ingredients, including egg allergies, should refrain from receiving the yellow fever vaccine. This precaution also extends to those with a thymus gland disorder or those who have had a close relative experience severe reactions affecting the brain or other organs.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to assess your individual circumstances and determine if you should receive the yellow fever vaccine.
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Where to get vaccinated
The yellow fever vaccine is only administered at approved vaccination centres that can provide the traveller with a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). This is also known as a "yellow card" and confirms that you have been vaccinated. It is valid for life, starting 10 days after being vaccinated.
In the United States, the CDC's Yellow Fever Vaccination Clinic directory can help you find a clinic near you. Walgreens also offers the vaccine, but availability varies by state, age, and health conditions. If you are in the US, Passport Health Travel Clinics can provide the vaccine directly, with no need to visit a PCP first. All Passport Health locations provide the yellow fever vaccine.
If you live in the UK, the NHS recommends that you get the vaccine at an authorised yellow fever vaccination centre. Your state, province, and local health departments can provide information on the location of these centres.
If you are over 60 or have a weak immune system, you should consult a doctor before getting the yellow fever vaccine.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common side effects include soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given. Fever, headache, tiredness, and loss of appetite can also occur. These side effects usually go away within two weeks.
Severe reactions are rare but can include allergic reactions, nervous system disorders, and organ dysfunction or failure. People aged 60 and above and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe reactions.
Yes. The risk of contracting yellow fever, a potentially fatal disease, usually outweighs the risk of side effects. Consult your healthcare provider to determine if you need the vaccine and to discuss any precautions or contraindications.
