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Yellow fever vaccine
This page is currently being updated. Additional details will be published shortly.
Vaccination is the best protection against yellow fever and its complications. This vaccine is recommended for people travelling to regions of Africa or South America where the disease is present. Some countries may also require vaccination against yellow fever as a condition of entry.
Vaccination is the best protection against yellow fever and its complications.
Women receiving the vaccine should avoid becoming pregnant 1 month after the vaccination.
Symptoms after vaccination
Some symptoms may be caused by the vaccine (e.g. redness at the injection site). Other problems may occur by chance and are not related to the vaccine (e.g. cold, gastro, headache).
Yellow fever vaccine is safe. In most cases, it does not cause any reaction.
| Frequency | Possible reactions to the vaccine |
|---|---|
| Often (less than 10% of people) |
|
| Exceptionally (less than 1 person in 100,000) |
These reactions are more common in persons aged 60 and older (less than 1 person in 10,000) |
Tips to follow immediately following vaccination
Wait 15 minutes before leaving premises where vaccine is received. If an allergic reaction occurs, the symptoms will appear a few minutes after the vaccination.
If you feel side effects, immediately inform the person giving the vaccine. That person will be able to treat you immediately.
Tips to follow at home
If you experience redness, pain or swelling at the injection site, apply a cold, damp compress on it.
Use medication for fever or discomfort if needed.
When to seek medical help
See a doctor if one of the following applies to you:
- You experience serious and unusual symptoms
- Your symptoms get worse instead of improving
- Your symptoms last over 48 hours
Last update: July 20, 2017