Quick Answer: Yellow fever vaccination is a legal entry requirement for travellers arriving from countries where yellow fever is endemic, including much of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America. It is not required for direct travel from the United Kingdom to most destinations. However, some countries require a certificate regardless of country of origin. Yellow fever vaccines can only be administered at a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. Newdays Pharmacy is a registered centre.
What Is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes. It is endemic in tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa and South and Central America. The disease can range from mild flu-like illness to severe hepatitis and haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal. There is no specific antiviral treatment for yellow fever; vaccination is the most effective preventive measure.
Which Countries Require a Yellow Fever Certificate for Entry?
Yellow fever vaccination certificate requirements fall into two categories:
Countries Where a Certificate Is Required if Arriving from a Yellow Fever Zone
Many countries in Asia, the Pacific, and parts of Africa and the Caribbean require travellers to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if they are arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission risk exists. This applies even if you are passing through a yellow fever zone in transit.
Examples include: India, Thailand, Indonesia, Kenya (if arriving from a yellow fever zone), and many others. Requirements change regularly, so always verify current requirements with the destination country’s embassy or consulate before travel.
Countries Where a Certificate Is Required Regardless of Origin
Some countries, including Angola, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, French Guiana, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Togo, require all travellers to present proof of yellow fever vaccination regardless of their country of departure.
Is Yellow Fever Vaccination Recommended for My Trip?
Beyond legal requirements, yellow fever vaccination is medically recommended for travellers visiting areas where the disease is endemic, even if a certificate is not officially required for entry. This includes large parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Your travel health pharmacist will assess your specific itinerary and recommend vaccination on medical grounds where appropriate.
How Long Does the Yellow Fever Vaccine Last?
In 2016, the World Health Organisation (WHO) updated its guidance to state that a single dose of yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong protection for most individuals. The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) is now valid for life, reflecting this change. Previously it required renewal every ten years. If you received your yellow fever vaccine before 2016 and your certificate was issued with a ten year validity, this is still accepted as valid under the updated WHO rules.
Who cannot have the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
The yellow fever vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine and is not suitable for everyone. It should not be given to:
- Infants under nine months of age
- Pregnant women, unless travel to an endemic area is unavoidable and the risk of disease outweighs the risk of vaccination
- Breastfeeding women whose infants are under nine months of age
- Individuals with a severe allergy to egg protein or any component of the vaccine
- Individuals who are immunocompromised or on immunosuppressant medication, including those with HIV infection and a CD4 count below 200
- Individuals aged 60 and over travelling to areas with low endemic risk, where the risk of vaccine-associated adverse events may outweigh the benefit
Where vaccination is medically contraindicated but a certificate is required for entry, a letter of medical exemption can be issued by a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. Our pharmacists can advise on this.
What Is the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis?
The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), sometimes informally called the yellow card, is the official document that proves you have received a yellow fever vaccination. It is issued at the time of vaccination and must be stamped and signed by the administering clinician at a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. It becomes valid ten days after vaccination.
Keep your ICVP with your passport when travelling. Losing it can cause significant difficulties at border control.
Yellow Fever Vaccination at Newdays Pharmacy
Newdays Pharmacy is a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. Our GPhC-registered pharmacists can administer yellow fever vaccination, issue the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, and provide a full travel health consultation covering all relevant vaccines and antimalarial requirements for your destination.
We serve travellers from Windsor, Eton, Twyford, Reading, and across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.
Book Now: Book Your Yellow Fever Vaccination Appointment
Clinical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication. Information is accurate as of the date of publication and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should get the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before travel as the certificate becomes valid after this period. Ideally, book your travel clinic appointment 6 to 8 weeks in advance.
Most travellers from the UK do not need a yellow fever vaccine unless travelling to or transiting through a country where the disease is present or where a certificate is required.
Many countries require a certificate if arriving from a yellow fever risk area, while some countries require it regardless of origin. Always check embassy guidance before travel.
A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong protection for most people, according to WHO guidelines.
No, the yellow fever vaccine can only be administered at a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre by trained professionals.
Common side effects include mild fever, headache and soreness at the injection site. Serious side effects are rare but will be discussed during consultation.