Yellow fever is a serious infection spread by mosquitoes in certain parts of the world including South America, Central America, Africa and Trinidad in the Caribbean. Protection from the disease is available with the Yellow Fever vaccination which is recommended if you are travelling to any of these areas. The vaccine is available from Miles Pharmacy’s travel clinic in Epsom.
The yellow fever vaccination
Some countries require you to have certification to prove that you have had the yellow fever vaccine before they will allow you entry. You need to have the vaccine at least ten days before travelling to give it enough time to work. Your certificate will only be valid after this period of time. The yellow fever vaccine and certificate are only available from registered yellow fever vaccination centres. The vaccination is not available for free on the NHS.
Symptoms of yellow fever
Symptoms of yellow fever typically include:
- High temperature or fever
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Backache and muscle pain
- Sensitivity to light
- General feeling of being unwell
- Loss of appetite
Around 25% of people who contract yellow fever will go on to develop more serious symptoms such as jaundice and bleeding from the facial orifices – mouth, nose, ears or eyes.
Most people only experience mild symptoms and will recover fully in a few days. Of those who go onto develop more serious symptoms, around half will die from the disease.
Reactions to Yellow Fever vaccine
Most people experience little or no reactions from the yellow fever vaccine which is called Stamaril. However, recent data recommend that the vaccine must not be given to anyone with a medical history of thymus dysfunction or who is immunosuppressed.
Caution is also recommended before vaccination people aged 60 years and older as there is a substantially increased risk of adverse reactions in this age group.
For advice and information about the yellow fever vaccination plus assessment of any possible adverse health reactions, contact Miles Pharmacy at their travel clinic in Epsom. Miles Pharmacy are your trusted pharmacy partner with comprehensive and up-to-date guidance on the yellow fever vaccine and countries which require yellow fever certification.