Topic: Yellow fever and immunisation
Description
Yellow fever is an acute viral illness which is caused by a virus spread by mosquitoes. The disease currently occurs only in tropical parts of Central and South America and Africa. Symptoms can range from a non-specific temperature to severe fatal disease and up to 15 to 25% of people may have a relapse. While yellow fever does not occur in Australia, quarantine precautions work to prevent the introduction of yellow fever virus into Australian mosquitoes.
Practical Advice
Immunisation
Yellow fever immunisation is recommended for:
- those aged 9 months or older travelling or living in any country in West Africa, regardless of where they will be in that country
- those aged 9 months or older travelling or living outside urban areas of all other yellow fever endemic countries
- laboratory personnel who regularly work with yellow fever virus.
Yellow fever immunisation cannot be given to people who are allergic to eggs.
Yellow fever immunisation can only be given by approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres.
If you are vaccinated, you will receive an International Certificate of Vaccination or prophylaxis. The certificate is valid 10 days after vaccination and is valid for 10 years. You must take this certificate with you when you travel to countries with yellow fever.
The vaccine
Certain groups of people should not receive yellow fever vaccination. Talk to your approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre about whether you can be immunised.
Possible side effects of the vaccine
Like all medications, vaccines may have side effects. Most side effects are minor, last a short time and do not lead to any long-term problems.
Possible side effects may include mild headache, tiredness and fever for 5 to 10 days after being vaccinated. More serious side effects are extremely rare and can include severe allergic reactions.
Contact your immunisation provider if you or your child has a reaction following vaccination which you consider serious or unexpected.
Pre-vaccination checklist
This checklist helps your doctor/nurse decide about vaccinating you or your child.
Please tell your doctor/nurse if the person about to be vaccinated:
- is unwell today
- has a disease which lowers immunity (eg. leukaemia, cancer, HIV/AIDS) or is having treatment which lowers immunity (eg. oral steroid medicines such as cortisone and prednisone, radiotherapy, chemotherapy)
- has had a severe reaction following any vaccine
- has any severe allergies (to anything)
- has had any vaccine in the past month
- has had an injection of immunoglobulin, or received any blood
- products or a whole blood transfusion within the past year
- is pregnant
- has a past history of Guillain-Barr syndrome
- was a preterm infant
- has a chronic illness
- has a bleeding disorder.
A different vaccine schedule may be recommended if the person to be vaccinated:
- identifies as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- does not have a functioning spleen
- is planning a pregnancy or anticipating parenthood
- is a parent, grandparent or carer of a newborn
- lives with someone who has a disease which lowers immunity (eg. leukaemia, cancer, HIV/AIDS), or lives with someone who is having treatment which lowers immunity (eg. oral steroid medicines such as cortisone and prednisone, radiotherapy, chemotherapy).
Care after vaccination
- For redness or swelling at the injection site, apply a cold compress.
- To lower temperature or relieve discomfort, paracetamol may be given.
- If fever persists, consult your doctor.
- If any reaction occurs that you consider serious or unexpected, seek medical advice.
- Contact the service provider if you or your child has a reaction following vaccination.
Where can I be immunised?
There are registered Yellow fever immunisation providers throughout Australia. To find your closest provider, see a list of Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres.
Other Resources
For further information please contact:
- your doctor
- your nearest public health unit
- 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
- Immunise Australia National Infoline: 1800 671 811.
Immunise Australia
A website about childhood immunisation produced by the Australian Department of Health and Ageing.
Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing
Information about communicable diseases including vaccine preventable diseases.
Heymann, D., ed. 2004. Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 18th edition. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association.
National Health and Medical Research Council, 2008. The Australian Immunisation Handbook (9th Ed.)
Related Content
Yellow fever fact sheet
Last updated: 15th December, 2011
Review Date: 30th June, 2011
