What is yellow fever?
Yellow fever is a serious viral infection transmitted by certain types of infected mosquitoes, primarily in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, South America and some areas of the Caribbean. The disease can cause high fever, jaundice, organ failure, and in severe cases, death. At Ashby Pharmacy, in Ashby De La Zouch, we provide the Yellow Fever vaccine to protect travellers and at-risk individuals.
To help prevent its spread, some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before entry. If you’re planning to travel to a country where yellow fever is a risk, it’s important to seek travel health advice in advance. Our trained Pharmacists can check your travel itinerary and advise whether the Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for your trip.
How is Yellow Fever Spread?
Yellow Fever is transmitted through a bite of an infected mosquito that’s carrying the yellow fever virus. The mosquitoes that spread the infection usually bite during the day, particularly from dawn until dusk.
Yellow fever can’t be spread directly from person to person through close contact. If you’re travelling to an area where yellow fever is a risk, taking precautions against mosquito bites and having the yellow fever vaccination, is recommended.
Yellow fever is found in certain parts of the world, including:
- Parts of sub-Saharan Africa
- Parts of South America
- Parts of Central America
Symptoms?
Symptoms are generally mild and include:
- Fever
- Malaise or headache
- Nausea or vomiting
Severe symptoms can include Jaundice (yellowing of skin & eyes), bleeding from nose, eyes and mouth
You should seek urgent medical advice if you feel unwell and you have recently returned from a country at risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
How can you reduce risk?
- Yellow fever is spread by infected mosquitoes, so reducing bites and getting vaccinated are the main steps for prophylaxis.
- Seek travel advice at least 8 weeks before travel so an accurate risk assessment can be completed.
- Cover up any exposed skin to reduce the risk of being bitten in the first place
- Use insect repellent containing up to 50% DEET.
- Close windows and doors where possible, or use screens or blinds
- Sleep under an insecticide treated mosquito net (and nurse infants too young to be vaccinated under a net, day and night)
What is a Yellow fever vaccination certificate?
Some countries require an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) as proof you’ve had the vaccination. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before travel, for the certificate to be valid. At Ashby Pharmacy a valid Certificate will be issued once vaccine has been administered and is valid for life.
Who is the vaccine not suitable for?
There are some individuals who cannot have the Yellow Fever vaccine, this includes:
- Child aged under six months
- Those with hypersensitivity to the components of the vaccine including eggs or chicken proteins, or severe hypersensitivity reaction to a previous dose of any yellow fever vaccine
- Those who have a history of thymus disorder or thymectomy for any reason, including incidental thymectomy (e.g. during some types of cardiac surgery)
- Those with primary or acquired immunodeficiency due to a congenital condition or disease process, including symptomatic HIV infection, and asymptomatic HIV infection when accompanied by evidence of impaired immune function
- Those who are immunosuppressed as a result of treatment, including high dose systemic steroids, immunosuppressive biological therapy, radiotherapy or cytotoxic drugs
Possible side effects of vaccine?
Side effects are generally mild and include the following:
- Redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site
- Mild fever, headache, or fatigue
- Muscle aches or general malaise
These symptoms typically resolve within a few days.
Where can I get the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
The yellow fever vaccination and certificate are only available from registered yellow fever centres. Ashby Pharmacy is a UK registered Yellow Fever Centre and our trained Pharmacists will be able to carry out a comprehensive risk assessment and determine whether vaccination is suitable.
How much will it cost?
The cost of Consultation + Vaccination + Yellow fever vaccination certificate from Ashby Pharmacy is £75