Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral haemorrhagic fever found in tropical Africa and parts of South America. Many countries in those regions, and several others that don’t have yellow fever locally, require travellers to present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP, the “yellow card”) on arrival.
Who needs the vaccine
Anyone travelling to a country with a yellow fever transmission risk, or transiting through one and continuing on to a country that demands a certificate from anyone over a certain age (often 9–12 months). The list changes, the WHO and DFAT's Smartraveller maintain current country guidance.
Where to be vaccinated in Australia
Yellow fever vaccination must be administered at an authorised Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. Community pharmacies, including ours, are not currently authorised centres for this specific vaccine, the certificate is only valid if issued by an authorised provider. We refer you to a nearby authorised travel clinic and coordinate the rest of your travel vaccinations around it.
When to be vaccinated
At least 10 days before you arrive in a yellow fever country, the certificate becomes valid 10 days after administration and is now considered lifelong following WHO guidance (older certificates listed 10-year validity, that has been superseded).
Combine with the rest of your travel program
Other travel vaccines, hepatitis A, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, cholera, are administered separately and often need their own lead time. Book a travel consult with us 6–8 weeks before departure, we will map the full schedule and refer for yellow fever where required.
Sources & further reading
General information only. This article is educational and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Your immuniser will confirm eligibility and contraindications on the day.
TGA advertising compliance. Vaccines are referred to by disease or category in line with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code. Specific brands and registered indications are discussed at the consultation.