NHS Service

When Do You Need To Get the Yellow Fever Vaccination?

Yellow Fever Vaccination

Yellow Fever Vaccination

Yellow fever is a serious infection spread by mosquitoes. It is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease, and “yellow” in the name refers to the jaundice that affects some patients. It is prevented by an extremely effective vaccine which is both safe and affordable. If you will be visiting any areas in which yellow fever is endemic, it makes sense to get this vaccine before you go. If you are looking for your yellow fever vaccination in Leighton Buzzard or would like to visit our Yellow Fever Clinic in Camberley, you should visit Touchwood Pharmacy website to book a rapid appointment.  

Yellow Fever Vaccine

  • One dose of this vaccine is enough for a sustained immunity and life-long protection against yellow fever disease.  

  • There is no booster needed.  

  • It provides effective immunity within 10 days for over 80% of people vaccinated and within 30 days for more than 99% of people vaccinated.

  • Recommended for people aged 9 years or older who are traveling to or living in areas at risk for the yellow fever virus in Africa and South America.

  • It may be required for entry into certain countries

  • Whilst not needed, if it has been 10 years or more since your vaccine, you may want to consider a booster dose of this vaccine

Reactions to Yellow Fever Vaccine

Reactions to the yellow fever vaccine are generally mild and include headaches, muscle aches and low grade fevers. Very rarely, people develop severe, sometimes life-threatening reactions including:

  • Anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing or swallowing)

  • Encephalitis or meningitis (swelling of the brain, spinal cord or surrounding tissues)

  • Guillain-Barre syndrome

  • Internal organ dysfunction or failure

In the event you experience a severe reaction, you should seek medical help or phone 999 immediately.

You and your family members should get a yellow fever vaccination if you are over 9 months of age and:

  • Are travelling to an area where yellow fever is found (parts of sub saharan africa, south america, central america, trinidad and the caribbean)

  • A country that requires a certificate proving yellow fever vaccinations

  • At least 10 days before you travel

  • It is at least 4 weeks after the MMR vaccine (for children)


Vaccination is the best yellow fever prevention today.  There is no effective medicine or treatment for yellow fever should you contract it and it’s just not worth the risk. To book your vaccinations through Touchwood Pharmacy, visit us online at  www.touchwoodpharmacy.com