Yellow Fever Issue

NHS Advice

Yellow fever is a serious infection spread by mosquitoes. It's found in parts of Africa, South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

There's a vaccine that can stop you from getting it if you're travelling to an area where the infection is found.

The yellow fever vaccine is recommended if you're travelling to:

• an area where yellow fever is found

• a country that requires you to have a certificate proving you've been vaccinated against yellow fever 

• You need to have the vaccine at least 10 days before travelling to give it enough time to work. Your certificate will only be valid after this time.

• The vaccine and certificate are only available from registered yellow fever vaccination centres. The jab isn't usually given for free on the NHS and typically costs around £60-80.

• The vaccine provides lifelong protection, so you won't normally need a booster dose or a new certificate if you've been vaccinated before.

• Yellow fever is found in:  most of sub-Saharan Africa (the area below the Sahara desert)

The information is confusing and you should make your own investigations but these links may help. 

Travel Health Pro will provide updated information 

On 3 July 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the list of yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations for 2018. This information is published each year following consultation between the WHO and State Parties, who are asked to confirm or update their requirements for international travellers [1, 2].

According to World Health Organization (WHO), from 11 July 2016 (for all countries), the yellow fever certificate will be valid for the duration of the life of the person vaccinated. As a consequence, a valid certificate, presented by arriving travellers, cannot be rejected on the grounds that more than ten years have passed since the date vaccination became effective as stated on the certificate; and that boosters or revaccination cannot be required. 

 

The yellow fever vaccine is not suitable for all travellers, there are specific undesirable effects associated with it. This vaccine is only available at registered yellow fever vaccination centres. Health professionals should carefully assess the risks and benefits of the vaccine, and seek specialist advice if necessary.

 

Country-specific Information has been gathered from Travel Health Pro

Morocco:                     Not required

Western Sahara:       There is no risk of yellow fever in Western Sahara.  This country has not stated its yellow fever vaccination certificate requirements

Mauritania:  
 There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in parts of this country

• Vaccination is recommended for travellers aged 9 months and older going to areas south of the Sahara desert.

• Under International Health Regulations, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

• Vaccination is not recommended for those whose travel is limited to areas in the Sahara desert.

 

Senegal
There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in parts of this country

Under International Health Regulations, a certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers over 9 months of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

The Gambia

• There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in all areas of this country (see ‘Most Travellers’ section below).

• Under International Health Regulations, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 9 months of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

• According to World Health Organization (WHO), from 11 July 2016 (for all countries), the yellow fever certificate will be valid for the duration of the life of the person vaccinated. As a consequence, a valid certificate, presented by arriving travellers, cannot be rejected on the grounds that more than ten years have passed since the date vaccination became effective as stated on the certificate; and that boosters or revaccination cannot be required.