Travelling to tropical or subtropical regions can expose you to serious infections not found in the UK. Yellow fever is one such disease — a mosquito-borne virus that can cause life-threatening illness. According to the World Health Organisation, yellow fever causes an estimated 67,000 to 173,000 severe cases and up to 82,000 deaths each year in Africa and the Americas.
These figures highlight why the yellow fever vaccine remains one of the most vital travel vaccines for international travellers. Understanding whether you need this protection before your trip helps safeguard your health and ensures you meet international entry requirements.
What Is the Yellow Fever Vaccine, and Why Is It Important?
The yellow fever vaccine offers protection against yellow fever, a serious viral infection spread by mosquitoes in parts of Africa, Central and South America. The disease can cause fever, muscle pain, jaundice, and, in severe cases, organ failure.
A single yellow fever injection provides lifelong immunity for most people. Once vaccinated, you’ll receive an official yellow fever vaccination certificate recognised worldwide.
How Effective Is the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
The vaccine is highly effective — over 95% of people develop protection within 10 days of being vaccinated. Because of this strong and lasting immunity, many countries require proof of vaccination before allowing entry.
Who Should Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
You may need the yellow fever vaccine if you are:
- Travelling to or through a country where yellow fever is common
- Visiting a country that requires proof of vaccination for entry
- Spending time in rural or forested areas in high-risk regions
Who Should Avoid the Vaccine?
Not everyone can safely receive the yellow fever vaccine. It may not be suitable for:
- People with weakened immune systems
- Pregnant women (unless travel is unavoidable)
- Babies under 9 months
- Those allergic to egg protein
Your pharmacist will review your travel plans and health status before giving you a certified yellow fever vaccination.
Where Can I Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine in the UK?
Only approved centres can give this vaccination. You must visit a registered yellow fever vaccination centre that can issue an official yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Touchwood Pharmacy is a certified yellow fever clinic, offering appointments across several UK locations. Our pharmacists provide advice, administer the vaccine, and issue your certificate during the same visit.
What Is a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate?
The certificate, sometimes called the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), serves as proof that you have been immunised.
- It becomes valid 10 days after vaccination.
- It is usually valid for life.
- Some countries may still request recent vaccination proof for entry.
Keep your certificate safe and carry it with your passport when travelling.
When Should I Get the Yellow Fever Injection Before Travelling?
You should receive the vaccine at least 10 days before you travel. This gives your body time to build full protection and ensures your certificate is valid when you arrive.
What If I’m Travelling at Short Notice?
If your trip is soon, contact a certified yellow fever clinic as soon as possible. Our pharmacists at Touchwood Pharmacy can help you arrange a same-day or next-day travel vaccine appointment, depending on availability.
What Other Travel Vaccines Should I Consider?
In addition to the yellow fever vaccine, other travel vaccines may be recommended based on your destination. These include:
Our pharmacist can help create a travel vaccination plan personalised to your journey, duration, and risk level.
How Can I Prepare for My Yellow Fever Appointment?
Before your appointment:
- Bring details of your travel itinerary and vaccination history.
- Mention any allergies or ongoing health conditions.
- Inform our pharmacist if you are pregnant or immunocompromised.
After vaccination, mild side effects like soreness or tiredness may occur and usually settle within a few days.
Planning to Travel? Get Certified Protection with Touchwood Pharmacy
If you’re travelling to Africa, Central or South America, or a country requiring proof of yellow fever vaccination, make sure you’re protected.
Book your appointment with our pharmacists at Touchwood Pharmacy for certified yellow fever vaccination, travel health advice, and official vaccination certificates for safe international travel.
FAQs
How long before travelling should I get the yellow fever vaccine?
You should get your yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before your trip. This allows your body to build full protection and ensures your yellow fever vaccination certificate is valid for entry into affected countries.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination certificate for every country?
Not every country requires the certificate. However, if you are travelling to or transiting through areas where yellow fever is common, many countries will ask for proof of vaccination on arrival. Always check entry requirements for your specific destination before travelling.
Where can I get a certified yellow fever vaccination in the UK?
You can only receive a certified yellow fever vaccination at an approved yellow fever vaccination centre. Touchwood Pharmacy is a registered yellow fever clinic providing the vaccine and official vaccination certificate for travellers conveniently and professionally.
How long does the yellow fever vaccine last?
For most people, one yellow fever injection provides lifelong protection. Your yellow fever vaccination certificate also remains valid for life, though some countries may request recent vaccination confirmation as part of their travel rules.
What are the possible side effects of the yellow fever vaccine?
Most people experience only mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, headache, or tiredness. These usually pass within a few days. Serious reactions are rare but can include allergic responses. Our pharmacist will discuss any potential risks before vaccination.
Can I get other travel vaccines at the same time as the yellow fever vaccine?
Yes, you can often receive other travel vaccines such as typhoid, hepatitis A, or rabies alongside the yellow fever vaccine. Our pharmacist will review your travel plans and advise on the best schedule for your travel vaccines.
