Yellow Fever

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Available Immunizations

  • Only certain clinics are approved by the World Health ORganization to administer yellow fever vaccine, YF-Vax®
  • If vaccination is required, your doctor or nurse will give you a single injection of YF-Vax® and then put an official stamp in your International Vaccination Certificate which proves that you have been vaccinated.
  • This Certificate should be carried with your passport at all times.
  • Your Certificate is valid for 10 years, beginning 10 days after you are vaccinated.

    • What is it?

  • Yellow fever is viral illness, carried by some species of mosquitoes in Central and South America, and in tropical regions of Africa.
  • A mild attack may have symptoms similar to those of the flu.
  • More severe symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, bleeding, abdominal pains and yellowing of the skin as a result of liver damage.

    • Where is it?

    Where Yellow Fever can be found
    Canadians can get sick with yellow fever if they travel to parts of Central and South America, and tropical regions of Africa.

    Prevention Tips

    Your best defense is to avoid mosquito bites altogether. Travellers can reduce their risk of acquiring yellow fever by:

     

  • remaining in well-screened or air conditioned areas when possible;
  • wearing clothing that adequately covers the arms and legs;
  • applying DEET-containing insect repellent to both skin and clothing.

    • Yellow Fever vaccination may be required for entry if you are travelling to, or transiting through, a country where the disease exists. Consult your local Travel Clinic to determine if your travel itinerary will require you to be immunized for yellow fever.