Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Yellow Fever Vaccine

Yellow Fever Vaccine

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a serious viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, primarily certain species that bite during the day. It is preventable through vaccination and remains a significant health risk in parts of tropical and sub-tropical Africa, as well as Central and South America. Outbreaks can be severe, with mortality rates reaching up to 50% in some cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends vaccination for anyone travelling to regions where yellow fever is endemic. Additionally, some countries require proof of vaccination for entry. This must be documented in an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), which can only be issued by an authorised and registered yellow fever centre – such as Worcester Travel Clinic.

Vaccination Pricing

£70 Per dose

Signs & Symptoms

YF virus can cause an illness that results in:

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

  • Fever

  • Headache and muscle ache

  • Nausea and fatigue

  • Bleeding, with severe damage to the major organs.

The death rate is high in those who develop severe disease.

The Vaccination

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
2 – 85 1 10 days n/a

*Vaccines work best if given time to become active. This vaccine can be given up to the day before travel and will provide some cover.

Yellow fever is a serious viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti species. The virus is endemic in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America and can cause a wide range of illness, from a mild fever to severe disease with bleeding, organ failure, and death. The name “yellow” refers to the jaundice that affects some patients, turning the skin and eyes yellow as a result of liver damage. Yellow fever belongs to the same family of viruses as dengue, Zika, and West Nile, but is far more lethal if left untreated. There is no specific antiviral treatment once infected, so management is based on supportive care. However, the disease is preventable through vaccination, which is both safe and highly effective. Because of the risk of outbreaks and international spread, many countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before entry, particularly if arriving from a country with known transmission. Despite its severity, vaccination and mosquito control efforts have made the disease largely avoidable for most travellers.

Yellow fever spreads exclusively through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which acquire the virus by feeding on infected humans or primates. It cannot be transmitted directly from person to person. Once bitten, an individual may develop symptoms within three to six days. In forested or jungle areas, the virus circulates among non-human primates and is transmitted by mosquitoes in a cycle known as sylvatic transmission. In urban areas, the virus can spread rapidly in densely populated communities when a mosquito carrying the virus bites multiple humans. Prevention is centred on two main strategies: vaccination and mosquito bite avoidance. The yellow fever vaccine provides strong, long-lasting protection and is considered the most effective preventive measure. Additional precautions include using insect repellent containing DEET, wearing long-sleeved clothing, sleeping under mosquito nets, and staying in accommodations with screened windows or air conditioning. Travellers to risk areas are advised to get vaccinated at least ten days before travel to allow immunity to develop and to meet international health regulations regarding entry requirements.

The symptoms of yellow fever typically begin three to six days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. In the early stage, known as the acute phase, individuals may experience fever, chills, headache, backache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. These symptoms usually improve after several days. However, in about 15 percent of cases, the illness progresses to a more severe phase within 24 hours of apparent recovery. This toxic phase is marked by high fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, bleeding from the mouth, nose, eyes, or stomach, and a dramatic decline in kidney and liver function. This phase can lead to multi-organ failure, shock, and death. The case fatality rate among those who develop severe yellow fever is estimated to be between 20 and 50 percent. There is no specific treatment for yellow fever once symptoms begin, so early recognition, supportive care, and prevention through vaccination remain the best defence.

The yellow fever vaccine is a live, attenuated vaccine that provides long-lasting immunity after a single dose. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a single dose is sufficient to confer lifelong protection in most individuals, and booster doses are no longer routinely recommended for travellers. However, some countries may still require a booster for entry or documentation purposes, particularly for travellers who were vaccinated many years ago or whose records are incomplete. The vaccine must be administered at an approved yellow fever vaccination centre, and individuals receive an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), which becomes valid ten days after the injection. This certificate is required for entry into certain countries, particularly those at risk of importing yellow fever from endemic areas. The vaccine is generally well tolerated, but because it is live, it is not suitable for everyone. People with weakened immune systems, severe allergies to egg protein, or those over 60 should consult a healthcare provider to assess the risks and benefits.

The yellow fever vaccine is required for entry into several countries, especially in Africa and South America, either because the disease is endemic in those areas or because the country wants to prevent its importation. In Africa, countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda all have active yellow fever transmission and typically require proof of vaccination for incoming travellers. In South America, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, and French Guiana are among the nations where the vaccine is strongly recommended or required for certain regions. Additionally, many countries outside the yellow fever zones—such as Australia, India, and China—may require proof of vaccination if the traveller is arriving from or transiting through a country with active yellow fever transmission. It is essential to check entry requirements before travel, as regulations vary by country and may change in response to outbreaks. The International Certificate of Vaccination is a key document for this purpose and should be carried when travelling to or from affected regions.

The yellow fever vaccine is considered safe and effective, but like all vaccines, it can cause side effects in some individuals. Most reactions are mild and short-lived, including pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as low-grade fever, headache, or muscle aches within a few days of vaccination. These symptoms usually resolve without intervention. In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur. These include allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, and extremely rare but severe complications like yellow fever vaccine-associated viscerotropic disease (YEL-AVD), which resembles natural yellow fever and can be fatal, and yellow fever vaccine-associated neurotropic disease (YEL-AND), which affects the nervous system. These rare reactions are more likely to occur in people over the age of 60 or in those with compromised immune systems. For this reason, medical screening before vaccination is essential, and the vaccine is not routinely recommended for people with certain health conditions. Nonetheless, for the vast majority of people, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, particularly when travelling to areas where the disease is endemic and potentially life-threatening.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

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