Travel vaccine
Yellow Fever
A single-dose vaccine that protects against yellow fever and provides the official certificate many countries demand on entry.
About yellow fever
Yellow fever is a viral infection carried by mosquitoes in tropical regions of Africa and South America. Many people experience only a mild, flu-like illness, but a smaller proportion go on to develop a serious second phase with jaundice, bleeding and organ damage. There is no specific cure, so prevention through vaccination and avoiding mosquito bites is the priority.
The vaccine and the certificate
A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine offers strong, long-lasting protection. It must be given at an officially designated centre, after which you receive an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). Numerous countries will not let you enter, or will refuse onward travel, without this certificate, especially if you are arriving from another at-risk country. Because the vaccine takes around 10 days to become fully effective, plan your appointment well ahead of departure.
Planning your trip
Yellow fever requirements change and depend on your exact itinerary, including any stopovers. Book a travel consultation at Crewe Pharmacy, 139-141 Nantwich Road, and bring your full route and dates. We will confirm whether vaccination is recommended or formally required, check that it is suitable for you, and issue your certificate. To arrange an appointment, call 01270 215837 or visit us in person.
How it spreads
Spread through the bite of infected Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes, which feed mainly during daylight hours.
Who should be vaccinated
Travellers to parts of sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America, and anyone transiting through a country that requires a certificate on arrival.
Vaccination schedule
Single dose, given at least 10 days before travel
Boosters
A single dose now gives lifelong protection for most travellers, though some destinations still ask for proof within the last 10 years.
Possible side effects
A sore arm, mild headache, muscle aches or a low-grade fever in the few days after vaccination.
Regions where there is a risk
Sub-Saharan Africa, Tropical South America.
Yellow Fever — frequently asked questions
Who needs the yellow fever vaccine?
The yellow fever vaccine is for travellers heading to parts of sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America, and for anyone transiting through a country that demands a certificate on arrival. Some destinations require proof of vaccination as a condition of entry. We check your full itinerary, including stopovers, to confirm whether it is recommended or formally required for you.
How many doses of the yellow fever vaccine do I need?
For most travellers, a single dose of the yellow fever vaccine is all that is needed. One dose is now considered to give lifelong protection for the majority of people, so routine boosters are not usually required. A small number of destinations still ask for proof within the last 10 years, which we will flag if it applies to your trip.
How long does the yellow fever vaccine last?
A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine now gives lifelong protection for most travellers. However, a few countries still operate under older rules and may ask for a certificate dated within the last 10 years. We will check the entry requirements for your specific route so you know whether your existing certificate will be accepted or whether anything further is needed.
How far in advance should I have the yellow fever jab before travelling?
Have the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before you travel. The certificate only becomes valid 10 days after vaccination, and the jab needs that time to give full protection, so a last-minute appointment may leave you without valid proof at the border. Book early by calling 01270 215837 to avoid any difficulty with your departure date.
What side effects can the yellow fever vaccine cause?
Most people experience only mild effects such as a sore arm, a headache, muscle aches or a low-grade fever in the few days after the yellow fever vaccine. These usually settle quickly. Because it is a live vaccine, it is not suitable for everyone, so we assess your health and any medical conditions carefully before vaccinating you.
Is the yellow fever vaccine free on the NHS or private?
The yellow fever vaccine is a private travel vaccine and is not available free on the NHS. It must also be given at an officially designated yellow fever centre so that a valid certificate can be issued. Crewe Pharmacy provides this privately. To arrange it, call 01270 215837 or visit us at 139-141 Nantwich Road.
How much does the yellow fever vaccine and certificate cost in Crewe?
The yellow fever vaccine costs £75 at Crewe Pharmacy, and this price includes your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). The certificate is the official document many countries require on entry. To book your appointment and receive your certificate, call 01270 215837 or call into the pharmacy on Nantwich Road with your full travel itinerary.
Which countries require a yellow fever certificate?
Many countries across sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America require a yellow fever certificate, either for all arrivals or for travellers coming from another at-risk country, including via stopovers. Requirements change and depend on your exact route, so bring your full itinerary and dates to your consultation and we will confirm what is needed for your trip.