If you visit an area where yellow fever is widespread, there is a highly effective vaccine that can shield you from contracting the illness. Even if you've had the immunisation, you should still avoid being bitten by mosquitoes because they can carry other serious infections. Keep reading to learn more about the yellow fever vaccine in Worcester.
Who should get a yellow fever vaccine in Worcester?
The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for people over the age of nine who intend to visit the following nations where yellow fever is common:
- Trinidad
- Central America
- South America
- Sub-Saharan Africa
These nations require you to have proof of your yellow fever vaccine.
To allow the vaccine sufficient time to act, you should obtain the shot at least 10 days prior to your trip. You or your child should probably wait 4 weeks after receiving the MMR vaccine before going for the yellow fever vaccine.
If you are unable to keep a 4-week interval, you can still have the yellow fever vaccine, but you should also consider receiving an additional MMR dose thereafter. Revaccination with the yellow fever vaccine can be considered on an individual basis for those who are still at risk.
Can those above the age of 60 receive vaccinations?
If you're 60 years of age or older, you can receive the yellow fever vaccine, but only if you're in good health, aware of the potential side effects, and travelling to a place where there is a high risk of exposure to the virus. To help you make a well-informed decision regarding vaccination, your pharmacist or doctor will go over with you the likelihood that you will become sick where you are going, as well as any possible side effects of the vaccine.
How long does the yellow fever vaccine last?
Most people are protected against yellow fever sickness for as long as they are alive by the yellow fever vaccine.
A tiny percentage of people who travel to regions where yellow fever poses a risk are advised to receive a second dose of the vaccination. This also applies to those who have already had a vaccination, but:
- Were pregnant
- Were under the age of two
- Had a bone marrow transplant after vaccination
- Were HIV/AIDS positive
- Had weakened immunity
If you're unsure whether you need to take another dose before your trip, please get in touch with us.
Who shouldn't get the yellow fever vaccination?
Despite being advised to, some people are unable to get the yellow fever vaccine.
People who are unable to receive the vaccination include:
- Infants younger than six months old
- Those with weakened immune systems, such as those with lymphoma or leukaemia
- Individuals whose immune systems have been compromised as a result of chemotherapy and steroid treatment.
- Those who are allergic to eggs or any of the vaccine's ingredients.
- Those who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of yellow fever vaccine.
- People who have thymus gland diseases or who have had their thymus gland removed.
- Those travelling to areas where immunisation is often not recommended and who are over the age of 60.
- People whose immediate relatives have experienced a negative vaccine reaction, such as brain or other organ damage.
Which countries require yellow fever vaccination?
Travellers from countries with yellow fever to countries where it could spread are often required to get vaccinated, and sometimes even those passing through these countries.
Are there any side effects from the yellow fever vaccine?
Side effects are more likely to occur in people who have not had the vaccination than in those who have.
Following immunisation, up to one in three people may have the following side effects:
- A headache
- Muscle aches
- An increase in temperature
- Pain at the injection site
Usually, these adverse effects disappear after two weeks.
Rarely, people may have more serious side effects, like an allergic reaction to one of the vaccine's ingredients.
Is the yellow fever shot mandatory?
Your pharmacist may decline to vaccinate you if there's a chance that there will be a major side effect from the immunisation. The same situation can be applicable if it is determined that the risk of serious vaccination side effects is greater than the risk of illness. In some circumstances, a medical exemption certificate may be granted if it is noted that the risk of illness is low. They should only do this with your consent. A certificate of medical exemption is only good for one journey.
When travelling, you should avoid mosquito bites because the vaccine will not protect you from malaria. You can get antimalarials and more from our one-stop travel clinic.
Make an appointment with us for a free consultation.
