What Is Yellow Fever Disease?
Yellow Fever is a serious viral infection transmitted through mosquito bites. This potentially deadly disease often leads to severe illness, requiring hospitalization, and in 30-50% of cases, it can be fatal. The yellow fever virus targets the liver, causing jaundice—a yellowing of the skin—and triggers high fevers, which is how it earned the name “Yellow Fever disease.” Subsequently, it’s critical for travelers visiting at-risk areas to protect against infection with early vaccination.
Where Is the Risk of Yellow Fever Infection?
Yellow Fever transmission occurs in more than 40 countries across Africa, South America, and parts of Panama. These high-risk areas continue to experience outbreaks, making yellow fever prevention a global health priority. Many countries now mandate proof of a yellow fever vaccine for travelers aged 9 months and older. The World Health Organization (WHO) is actively working to eliminate yellow fever outbreaks through mass vaccination campaigns in the most affected regions. Be sure to consult with a travel health clinic before planning your trip to ensure you are protected.
How Do I Protect Myself from Yellow Fever?
The most effective way to safeguard against yellow fever disease is by getting the yellow fever vaccine. This single-dose shot provides long-lasting protection and is essential for anyone traveling to or living in at-risk areas. However, not all clinics offer this vaccine—it’s only available at specially designated yellow fever vaccination clinics. Destination Health Clinic is one of the few providers in Massachusetts certified with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Health to be an authorized clinic.
How Often Is the Yellow Fever Vaccine Needed?
For most people, a single yellow fever vaccine dose offers lifelong protection. However, the CDC advises a booster shot every 10 years for certain high-risk travelers, such as those frequently visiting outbreak areas. Consult with our clinic to determine if you need a yellow fever vaccine booster based on your travel history and risk level.
Who Needs the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
The yellow fever vaccine is required for all travelers aged 9 months and older heading to countries with vaccination mandates. Currently, more than 20 countries require the yellow fever vaccine upon arrival. Other countries may require proof of vaccination even for passing through an airport of an at-risk country. Even if a country doesn’t demand it for entry, getting the yellow fever vaccine is strongly recommended if you travel where the mosquitos do carry the disease. Deciding whether you need the yellow fever vaccination can be tricky, but our expert nurses at Destination Health Travel Clinic simplify these complex requirements.
How Do I Prove I’ve Had the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
After receiving the yellow fever vaccine, the clinician will record it in the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly called the “Yellow Card.” This permanent record, stamped with an official CDC serial number, serves as your proof of yellow fever vaccination. Keep your Yellow Card with your passport and present it at customs or border checkpoints when required. It’s your key to hassle-free travel in yellow fever risk zones.
How Is the Yellow Fever Vaccine Administered?
The yellow fever vaccine is delivered via a subcutaneous injection, typically in the back of the arm. Our trained staff ensures the process is quick and comfortable, making yellow fever vaccination a simple step in your travel prep.
Is the Yellow Fever Vaccine Safe?
Developed over 80 years ago, the yellow fever vaccine has a proven safety record, with tens of millions safely vaccinated worldwide. In the U.S., the FDA-approved YF-VAX brand is used, offering reliable protection against yellow fever disease. For most individuals, the vaccine poses no significant health risks. However, people with weakened immune systems—due to illness or medications—may need to avoid it. At your appointment, we’ll carefully assess your medical history to confirm the yellow fever vaccine is safe for you.
What Are the Side Effects of the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
Like most injectable vaccines, the yellow fever vaccination may cause mild soreness or redness at the injection site—these are normal reactions. Some people experience temporary tiredness, headaches, or low-grade fever after the shot, but these side effects typically fade quickly. Serious complications are extremely rare. Our staff provide a detailed info sheet so you know what to expect post-vaccination.
Countries with Risk of Yellow Fever
Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia.
South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela.
Countries Requiring Yellow Fever Vaccine for Entry: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, French Guiana, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda.
Note: Risk and requirements vary by region and travel details. Consult a travel health specialist or CDC for updates.
Where Can I Find a Yellow Fever Vaccine Near Me?
Destination Health Travel Clinic keeps the yellow fever vaccine in-stock near you at any of our Massachusetts offices and we offer same-day yellow fever appointments. Many Massachusetts residents choose Destination Health Clinic for the yellow fever vaccine because of our affordable price, friendly service, easy scheduling, and free parking at all our locations. Boston area residents in search of yellow fever vaccination will find the Braintree and Natick offices convenient options for vaccination. Destination Health Clinic, also welcomes residents of Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island in search of a low-cost and fast yellow fever vaccination site.
Yellow Fever Travel Considerations
If you’re traveling to a country with yellow fever risk, other travel vaccines and precautions are often recommended. Mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis may require vaccinations. Malaria medication is also commonly advised. Additionally, prioritize food and water safety with hepatitis A and typhoid fever vaccines to stay protected.