Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The 'yellow' in the name refers to the jaundice that affects some patients.

Symptoms of yellow fever include fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

A small proportion of patients who contract the virus develop severe symptoms and approximately half of those die within 7 to 10 days.

The virus is endemic in tropical areas of Africa and Central and South America.

Source: World Health Organisation (WHO).

Yellow Fever vaccination

There is a very effective vaccine that can stop you getting yellow fever if you’re travelling to an area where the infection is found. It is given as an injection in your upper arm.

You may need a yellow fever vaccination if you are travelling to:

• An area where yellow fever is found, including parts of sub-Saharan Africa, South America, Central America and Trinidad in the Caribbean
  
  
• A country that requires you to have a certificate proving you have been vaccinated against yellow fever

Some vaccines may require more than one dose so it is important to check your travel destination entry requirements early so you can receive any vaccines or travel advice prior to travel.  

You can find more information about the yellow fever vaccine on the NHS' website.

Changes to Yellow Fever certificates

In July 2016, changes to International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) regarding the validity of the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) for yellow fever vaccine came into force.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) offer useful information about these changes and what it means for travellers and those administering a yellow fever vaccine.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres (YFVC) in Isle of Man

Only registered YFVCs are able to administer yellow fever vaccinations.

For current providers in the Isle of Man, visit NaTHNaC yellow fever centre – Isle of Man page.

The responsibility for the registration, designation, training and audit of Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in the Isle of Man is with the Health Protection Team, Public Health, Cabinet Office, Isle of Man Government, and is in line with the International Health Regulations 2005. 

Note: Vaccinations for travel purposes are not funded by Manx Care.