What is Yellow Fever (YF)?

· Yellow fever is a serious viral infection found in certain parts of Africa and South America. It spreads through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

· Yellow fever can present with fever, jaundice and bleeding from multiple body sites.

· It is a dangerous illness with 20-50% of serious cases resulting in death.

· Yellow fever cases have not been reported from India.

Which are the YF vaccines available and what is the schedule?

· YF vaccine is made from live, weakened virus.

· YF vaccine is administered subcutaneously as a single dose for those between 9 months and 60 years. The vaccine results in more side effects if administered to those above 60 years of age.

· YF vaccine should not be administered to pregnant women and mothers who are breast feeding their infants.

A single dose results in lifelong protection.

Who needs to take the Yellow Fever vaccine?

This vaccine is necessary for people travelling to Yellow fever endemic countries. The list of Yellow fever endemic countries is periodically updated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and should be checked on the WHO website at least 2 weeks before the travel date.

It is also required for people living in YF endemic countries and laboratory persons working in laboratories wherein fluids from suspected YF patients is handled.

Where can I get the YF vaccine?

YF vaccine is given only at designated vaccination centers. After vaccination the details are to be entered on the “International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis” (yellow card) and signed by the authorities at the vaccination center. This certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination and is valid throughout life.

No boosters are necessary.

What is the importance of the “International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis”?

This valid card is necessary for entry to YF endemic countries. Failure to produce a valid certificate will result in refusal of entry into the YF endemic country or quarantine for a period upto 2 weeks

Who should not get this vaccine?

· Infants younger than 6 months of age

· Those with severe (life-threatening) allergy to eggs, chicken proteins and gelatin.

· This vaccine is avoided in pregnant women and mothers who are breast feeding their infants.

· This vaccine is avoided in people with weakened immune systems e.g. people with cancers or on drugs which suppress the immune system