Yellow fever is a viral disease which you can catch from a mosquito bite. If you are travelling to a country where there is a high/risk of yellow fever, then you should be vaccinated. Unless that is you are over 60. Then you’ll need a risk assessment.
People over the age of 60 have a higher risk of developing serious adverse effects from the yellow fever vaccination. The risks come in the form of Vaccine Associated Neurologic Disease (YEL-AND) AND Vaccine Associated Viscerotropic Disease (YEL-AVD).
In the under-60 age group cases of YEL-AND occur in around 0.8 cases per 100,000 doses and YEL-AVD occurs in around 0.3 cases. But in the over 60s the occurrence of life-threatening side-effects occur in 2.2 cases per 100,000 doses for YEL-AND and 1.2 cases for YEL-AVD. The risk is higher for people with underlying medical conditions.
The symptoms can appear between 2 and 56 days after the vaccine. It starts with a headache and fever and then it can develop into encephalitis or an autoimmune demyelinating disease.
Encephalitis is the inflammation of the brain and needs immediate medical intervention. Some people make a full recovery from the disease, but others don’t. Long-term problems can include:
Treatment in hospital includes antiviral medicines, antibiotics, painkillers and support with breathing if necessary.
Symptoms of YEL-AVD can start between 1 and 18 days after the vaccination. Symptoms include headache, fever, a general feeling of being unwell and muscle pain (myalgia). These symptoms could lead to hepatitis (liver inflammation) and hypotension (low blood pressure). In some cases, there is multi-organ failure. In approximately 48% of cases, the symptoms lead to death.
Avoid visiting destinations with a high risk of yellow fever. If you’re visiting an area that’s low risk, then heed the advice from the UK Health Security Agency. They recommend not to have a vaccination against yellow fever. This is due to the high risk of dangerous side effects.
You can check the yellow fever recommendation maps on the NaTHNaC website. For example, currently (2024), African countries with a high risk of yellow fever include:
In the Americas countries with yellow fever risk include:
You can also look up country information on the Travel Health Pro website. There is an A-to-Z country guide. For example, if you look at the information for Angola you’ll see there is a risk of yellow fever and a vaccine is recommended.
If you are travelling to a country where a yellow fever certificate is required but a vaccine is considered inadvisable then you should obtain a Medical Letter of Exemption. A designated yellow fever vaccination centre, or a health professional from a clinic, medical centre or hospital can provide the letter.
VSM Pharmacy has a travel clinic where a wide range of vaccines are available, including yellow fever. If you’re not over 60 then the vaccine is recommended for travel to high-risk areas. If you want more information about the risks for over 60s then make an appointment at the travel clinic for a consultation.
You can make the appointment online or by phoning the Pharmacy on 01276 21002. If you’re close by then pop in and make an appointment in person.Â
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If you go to certain countries you may need a Yellow Fever vaccination or a certificate to show that you have already had the vaccination.
Yellow Fever is a virus that comes from infected mosquitos and the best way to protect yourself is by having a vaccination.
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