Yellow fever Travel Vaccination

Yellow fever is a serious, sometimes fatal, viral illness that is spread by an infected mosquito, Aedes aegypti.

What are some yellow fever symptoms?

Following a short incubation period – three to six days – the patient will experience sudden fever, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, hence the disease’s name). Most people recover within a few days. However – some patients progress to a more serious form of yellow fever. Shock, internal bleeding and organ failure can occur in severe cases and may result in death.

Patients who recover will have a lifelong immunity to the disease.

Any yellow fever symptoms that arise during or after travel in a region where yellow fever occurs are a cause for concern. Speak with a doctor as soon as possible and tell them where you have been.

Will I need a yellow fever certificate?

Canadian Travel Clinics’ Calgary branch is a registered yellow fever vaccination centre.

Countries on the edges of yellow fever zones will often require proof of vaccination in the form of an International Certificate of Vaccination as a condition of entry, particularly if you are coming from a place where yellow fever is endemic.

The yellow fever map is always changing and countries do amend their entry requirements from time to time. Check our destination guides or The Government of Canada’s travel advisories for information.

Tell your adviser at Canadian Travel Clinics all about your travel plans so that they can give you the best, most up-to-date advice. If your itinerary changes, you should seek further advice.

Where is yellow fever a risk?

Yellow fever is always present in tropical parts of Central and South America and Sub-Saharan Africa. Many affected countries require proof of vaccination (an International Certificate of Vaccination) before you are allowed to enter, but the vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before travelling to a country at risk. Border officials in some countries will ask to see a certificate if you are travelling from a place where it is present. If you cannot produce proof of immunity, you may be quarantined, immunized or refused entry.

It is most common during the rainy season.

Can I avoid yellow fever?

The vaccine Stamaril protects against yellow fever and can provide lifelong immunity; however, there is no treatment except supportive care once a person is infected with yellow fever. Most healthy people over the age of nine months are able to receive the vaccine, although speak with your healthcare provider for the latest information, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a weakened immune system. Avoid mosquito bites by wearing insect repellent and protective clothing, by sleeping under mosquito nets and by avoiding standing water, especially at dusk and dawn.