Yellow fever vaccination protects against a serious viral disease spread by mosquitoes in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America. It is a legal entry requirement for some countries and is only available from registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres. A pre-travel consultation reviews your itinerary to confirm whether yellow fever vaccination or a certificate is needed.
What Is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is a viral infection spread by infected mosquitoes, found in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America. Most infections are mild, but yellow fever can cause severe illness, including liver damage, bleeding, and can be fatal in a proportion of severe cases.
Who Should Consider Vaccination?
Vaccination is recommended for travellers aged 9 months and over visiting areas where yellow fever is found, including parts of sub-Saharan Africa, South America, Central America and Trinidad in the Caribbean. It is also required for travellers heading to a country that asks for proof of vaccination as a condition of entry, particularly if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Vaccination Schedule and Certification
A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine is given at least 10 days before travel to allow protection to develop and for the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) to become valid. The vaccine provides long-lasting, likely lifelong, protection for most travellers. The vaccine and certificate are only available from registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres, such as Berkeley Travel Clinic.
Who Should Not Have This Vaccine
Yellow fever vaccine is a live vaccine and is not suitable for everyone. It is not recommended for babies under 6 months old, people with a severely weakened immune system, those with a serious egg allergy or a thymus gland disorder, and people who have had a severe reaction to a previous dose. A pre-travel consultation will assess your individual suitability, including special considerations for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or aged 60 and over.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon before travel do I need the yellow fever vaccine?
At least 10 days before departure, so that protection develops and your certificate becomes valid.
Is the yellow fever certificate compulsory for my trip?
Some countries require proof of vaccination as a condition of entry, particularly if travelling from or via a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; requirements vary by destination and should be checked for your specific itinerary.
How long does the yellow fever vaccine last?
A single dose is considered to provide long-lasting, likely lifelong, protection for most people.
Can everyone have the yellow fever vaccine?
No. It’s a live vaccine and is not suitable for everyone; a pre-travel consultation will assess your suitability based on your health and travel plans.
Where can I get the yellow fever vaccine?
Only at registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres, such as Berkeley Travel Clinic.
Sources and Further Reading
Clinically reviewed by Abrar Gill, MPharm, Berkeley Travel Clinic. Last reviewed: 1 August 2026. This information is general guidance and does not replace individual clinical assessment; book a travel health consultation for personalised advice.
