What is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne virus found throughout parts of Africa and South America. Unlike other mosquito-borne infections, vaccines are available to protect against yellow fever. Yellow fever spreads to humans through mosquito bites. The virus cannot spread from person to person directly, only via mosquito bites. yellow fever outbreaks start with mosquitoes spreading the infection to primates, allowing other mosquitoes to carry the virus from the primates to humans in other environments, including cities. There, local mosquitoes can carry infection from person-to-person through bites.
Yellow fever is primarily carried by mosquitos in the Haemagogus, commonly located in Central and South America, and Aedes, found throughout the world and carry most mosquito-borne infections, families. While there is no cure for yellow fever, the vaccine provides immunization to prevent yellow fever.
Mild Symptoms
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Vomiting
Severe Symptoms
- High fever
- Jaundice (Yellow Skin)
- Bleeding
- Shock
- Organ Failure
Yellow Fever Vaccine
The yellow fever vaccine is an injectable immunization the prevents yellow fever. The vaccine is recommended for many countries in Africa and South America; it is even required for entry to some nations. The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for anyone traveling to a region where the virus is present. However, individuals under nine months or over 60-years-old may need to consult further with a healthcare provider before vaccination.
A single does of the yellow fever vaccine provides lifetime protection against the virus, meaning you won’t need a booster shot in the future. However, some countries still require proof of vaccination within the last ten years; be sure to check with your travel specialist before your trip to see if a second yellow fever immunization may be required.
Other Individuals who may need a consultation
- Pregnant women
- Individuals who have had their thymus removed or been diagnosed with a thymus disorder
- Those with a weakened immune system
- People who have had an allergic reaction to the yellow fever vaccine before or have any severe, life threatening allergies
- Those who may have received a vaccine in the last four weeks
Countries with Yellow Fever Risks
- Angola
- Argentina
- Benin
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Colombia
- Cote d’Ivoire
- DR Congo
- Ecuador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- French Guiana
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Republic of Congo
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Uganda
- Venezuela
- Zambia
Countries that require Proof of Vaccination (Yellow Card)
- Angola
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Cote d’Ivoire
- DR Congo
- Eqquatorial Guinea
- French Guinea
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Niger
- Republic of Congo
- Sierra Leone
- South Sudan
- Togo
FAQs
Which Yellow Fever Vaccine Can I Get?
Currently, only YF-Vax is available in the United States
Do I Need a Prescription to Get a Yellow Fever Vaccine?
No, a prescription is not required to get a yellow fever vaccine. You may need to visit or consult with your PCP if you are in a high-risk group and receiving the yellow fever vaccine.
How Long Does the Yellow Fever Vaccine Last?
A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides lifetime protection, but some countries still require proof of vaccination within the last 10 years. Consult with your healthcare provider if you are unsure if you need to be re-vaccinated.
What Is the Best Way to Prevent Yellow Fever?
Vaccination is the best way to prevent yellow fever. Mosquito repellents, netting and proper clothing may also be recommended.
How Much Does the Yellow Fever Vaccine Cost?
As the yellow fever vaccine is rarely covered by insurance, the vaccination is usually paid for out-of-pocket.