Are you planning a trip to Africa or South America? You could be at risk for yellow fever, a potentially serious and fatal disease spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Did you know that certain countries actually require proof of vaccination to enter the country? In this blog I’ll tell you more about the yellow fever vaccine and how to find out if it’s required for your trip.
Why Some Countries Require the Yellow Fever Vaccine
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required by some countries as a public health measure to prevent the spread of the disease across borders. Each country requirement is outlined under International Health Regulations, and travellers must comply with these requirements to enter the country. Here’s what that could mean for your trip:
- Some countries require proof of vaccination from all travellers, including those arriving from Canada.
- Other countries only require proof if travelling from a yellow fever risk country, even if it’s just a layover.
- A medical waiver can be issued if you have a medical condition that prevents you from being vaccinated.
- Travellers without proof of vaccination or a medical waiver could be denied entry, required to get vaccinated on arrival, or be quarantined for up to 6 days.
Required Vs. Recommended: What’s the Difference?
It’s easy to get confused between vaccine requirements and recommendations.
- Requirements are set by countries as a condition of entry.
- Recommendations are for your personal protection against infection, even if the country doesn’t require it.
For example, Brazil doesn’t require proof of vaccination, but because yellow fever risk is high there, it’s strongly recommended that travellers get the yellow fever vaccine.
How to Know if You Need the Yellow Fever Vaccine
The best way to find out is to book a travel consultation with a travel health expert at TMVC.
During your appointment, our nurses or doctors will:
- Discuss your travel itinerary
- Review your health history
- Let you know whether the yellow fever vaccine is required, recommended, or not needed at all
- Administer the yellow fever vaccine and issue an International Certificate of Vaccination
- Issue a Certificate of Medical Contraindication if you’re medically unable to receive the vaccine
You can also check the Government of Canada’s travel advisory website for destination-specific vaccine info — but a personalized consultation ensures nothing gets missed.
Where to Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine
Not every clinic or pharmacy in Canada can provide the yellow fever vaccine. It’s only available at designated vaccination centres approved by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Good news – All TMVC clinics in British Columbia are yellow fever designated vaccination centres. When you get vaccinated, you’ll receive an International Certificate of Vaccination, aka the yellow card.
How Long Does the Yellow Fever Vaccine Last?
Protection from a single dose of the yellow fever vaccine generally lasts for life, starting 10 days after vaccination.
If you were vaccinated before 2016 your certificate might say it’s valid for 10 years. These certificates are automatically now considered valid for lifetime.
During a past global shortage some travellers received a fractional dose of the yellow fever vaccine. A fractional dose is only valid for one year. If your vaccine certificate indicates that a fractional dose was given, you should now receive a full dose if you’re travelling where the yellow fever vaccine is needed. Fortunately, full doses are widely available again.
Who Should Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
The yellow fever vaccine should be given to people 9 months to 59 years of age travelling to a country where yellow fever is a risk, or to a country where the vaccine is required for entry. The vaccine may also be given to adults 60 years of age and older after a risk assessment during your travel consultation.
Yellow Fever Vaccine Side Effects
The yellow fever vaccine is safe and effective, and the best way to protect against yellow fever disease. Most people have no reactions or only mild reactions to the vaccine. These side effects can include:
- redness, tenderness or swelling at the injection site
- headache
- low grade fever
- muscle aches
Very rarely, serious reactions can occur including severe allergic reactions, organ failure, or neurologic disease – which is why a travel consultation is so important before vaccination.
How to Book Your Travel Consultation
It’s easy to book a travel consultation at TMVC. Simply call us at 1-888-288-8682 or book online.