What is Yellow Fever
How to prevent Yellow Fever
Who should get a Yellow Fever vaccine
When to get a Yellow Fever vaccine
 What is Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a serious disease caused by the yellow fever virus. It is spread through the bite of an infected
mosquito and cannot be spread directly from person to person. It is found in certain parts of Africa and South
America.
Yellow fever can cause:
- Fever and flu-like illness
- Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
- Liver, kidney, respiratory and other organ system failure
- Vomiting blood
- Death
People with yellow fever disease usually have to be hospitalized.
How to prevent Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine can prevent yellow fever. Yellow fever vaccine is given only at approved vaccination centers.
After receiving the vaccine, you should receive an International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) that
has been validated by the vaccination center. This Certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination and lasts for
10 years. You will need this card as proof of vaccination to enter certain countries.
As with any disease transmitted by mosquitoes, precautions and insect repellent are also recommended to prevent
exposure to yellow fever virus. These precautions include remaining in well-screened areas, wearing clothes that
cover most of the body and using effective insect repellent (i.e., containing up to 50% N,N-diethylmetatoluamide
[DEET]) on skin and clothing.
Who should get a Yellow Fever vaccine
Persons 9 months of age or older traveling to or living in a country that requires yellow fever vaccination. Additionally, persons 9 months of age or older traveling to a country that does not require yellow fever
vaccination but is located in an area where the risk of yellow fever is known to exist.
When to get a Yellow Fever vaccine
If you continue to live or travel in yellow fever-endemic areas, you should receive a booster dose of yellow fever
vaccine after 10 years.
Yellow fever vaccine may be given at the same time as most other vaccines.
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