Yellow fever vaccine

Yellow fever is a serious and acute viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Symptoms range from mild to life-threatening. The yellow fever vaccine is recommended when travelling to areas where yellow fever occurs in Africa, Central America and South America. Some countries require an international certificate of vaccination when entering the country. A certificate may also be required if you have a longer layover in an area where yellow fever occurs.

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Yellow Fever Vaccination Schedule

The yellow fever vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, and a single dose provides lifelong protection. The vaccine can be given to children over 9 months of age and adults. Vaccination of people over 60 should be carefully considered due to an increased risk of adverse reactions. Children under 6 months of age should not be vaccinated. In exceptional circumstances, if the risk of infection is high, infants aged 6–9 months may be vaccinated following a doctor's assessment. The vaccine is not suitable for people with weakened immune systems and is not recommended during pregnancy.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

The WHO International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), also known as the Yellow Card, serves as the official document confirming yellow fever vaccination. In addition to the vaccination details, the certificate must bear the official Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre stamp.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required in many countries for travellers arriving from, or travelling to, a country where yellow fever occurs. Some countries also require a certificate if a traveller has had a layover in a country where yellow fever occurs.

If a traveller cannot receive the yellow fever vaccine for medical reasons but a vaccination certificate is required by the destination country, a statement signed by a doctor must be attached to the international vaccination certificate.

Please contact one of our Vaccination Clinics if you are unsure whether you can receive the yellow fever vaccine or if you need a medical certificate confirming a contraindication to vaccination to be attached to your international vaccination certificate.

Yellow Fever Vaccine Validity

The vaccination certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one yellow fever vaccination provides lifelong protection, and a booster dose is not required. The validity is recorded on the certificate with the statement “Life of person vaccinated.” Older certificates may state that a booster vaccination should be given 10 years after the initial vaccination. However, due to updated recommendations, a single dose is sufficient and a booster is not required.

Side Effects of the Yellow Fever Vaccine

The yellow fever vaccine is safe and generally well tolerated. Vaccination reactions are typically mild. The most common symptoms include headache, muscle pain and a mild fever. In very rare cases, the yellow fever vaccine can cause a serious, life-threatening reaction, such as organ damage. Some people may have an increased risk of a serious vaccine reaction due to their medical condition, treatment or age. For infants aged 6–8 months and people over 60, a doctor will always assess the need for vaccination and the potential risk of adverse reactions.

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Travel Health Advice at Rokotepalvelu

The experts at Rokotepalvelu can help you plan the vaccinations you need for your trip. You can book an appointment for travel health advice, where we will create an individual vaccination plan for you or your family based on your travel plans.

Sources: Our medical experts, CDC, WHO and Duodecim Terveyskirjasto

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Travel vaccines

Common travel vaccines include vaccines against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies and Japanese encephalitis.

Travel health

The required vaccinations depend on the destination, the nature of the trip, and its duration.

TBE vaccine

There is a risk of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in parts of Europe and Asia.

Why choose Rokotepalvelu?

Rokotepalvelu is one of Finland’s leading private vaccination service providers. We operate in several cities with our vaccination clinics and mobile vaccination buses, making it easy for you to access vaccinations when and where you need them. Our vaccination and travel health specialists help ensure you receive the right protection for your needs. You’re welcome to visit us in the way that suits you best – with or without an appointment.

Always qualified healthcare professionals
Specialists in vaccinating children and people with needle anxiety
We record all vaccinations in Omakanta and send reminders for upcoming vaccinations