Yellow Fever is a mosquito-borne illness present in tropical South America and Africa. Symptoms include a sudden fever, vomiting and collapse. If untreated it can develop to haemorrhagic symptoms and jaundice, and the fatality risk can be as high as 70%. You do not want to catch this disease!( Remember Ebola.......its almost the same!)

As this is such a devastating disease, Australian authorities take very seriously the threat of the disease being introduced here (we have the right mosquito to spread the disease!). They may ask for proof of vaccination upon return from any country that "may" have the disease. This includes the popular destinations of Kenya, Tanzania, Peru and Brazil even though these countries have few if any cases of yellow fever at the moment. They have the power to detain and quarantine you at the airport if they so choose. For this reason it pays to have a vaccination certificate, or an exemption certificate if the vaccine could harm the vaccinee (eg. in the case of AIDS or if on immunosuppressive medication).

Our specialists can discuss this very complicated topic with you in your consultation.

In addition, Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry into or out of some African and South American countries where the disease is sometimes present. In many countries where the carrier mosquito is present, but the disease is not, proof of vaccination is required if travelling from a Yellow Fever infected area. These contries constantly change and it is why you must attend an accredited clinic, such as the Travel Bug Vaccination Clinic, for this vaccination. The Yellow Fever vaccination and the international certificate are valid for 10 years, but this only starts after the vaccine has had time to become effective (10 days after administration).

If you live a long way away we have a mechanism to determine if you in fact need this vaccine, so you don't drive all the way here for no reason. See, under "contact us", the "Remote area service travel health plan" TAB. 

About 2-5% of those who receive Yellow Fever vaccine suffer a mild reaction of minor headache, fatigue, muscle aches and low grade fever about 6-7 days after vaccination. Rare but serious immediate hypersensitivity reactions can occur- characterized by rash and breathing difficulty. There have been reported cases of liver failure and hospitalization for serious illness (4/100,000) from the vaccine. Yellow Fever vaccination is not recommended for infants under six months old, pregnant women, those with altered immune status (eg. those with HIV, Leukaemia, or undergoing chemotherapy), or those with a hypersensitivity to eggs or egg products. If these factors apply to you or any of those travelling with you, please discuss them with the doctor.

You will be required to wait for 20 minutes after your vaccination to make sure you do not have a reaction.

Make sure you get a vaccination book and that you sign the relevant page. This is your Vaccination proof. Keep it with your passport. You will only ever need it at borders (and vaccination clinics!)