Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Yellow Fever Vaccine

Yellow Fever Vaccine

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a vaccine-preventable viral disease transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily Aedes species that bite during the day. The virus is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Central America, and South America, where outbreaks can result in high mortality rates—sometimes as high as 50%. The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends vaccination for anyone travelling to areas where yellow fever is a risk. In addition, some countries require proof of vaccination for entry. Travellers must obtain an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), which is only issued by an authorised yellow fever vaccination centre. We are a registered yellow fever centre and can provide both the vaccine and the official certificate required for travel.

Vaccination Pricing

£70 Per dose
£70 Per Course

Signs & Symptoms

YF virus can cause an illness that results in:

  • Fever and chills

  • Headache and muscle aches

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Fatigue and weakness

  • Abdominal pain

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

  • Bleeding, with severe damage to the major organs.

The death rate is high in those who develop severe disease.

Hawne Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 0121 501 3518

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

177 Stourbridge Rd, Halesowen, B63 3UD

Bills Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01384 872117

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

29 High St, Kinver, Stourbridge, DY7 6HF

Millard and Bullock Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01902 883 182

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Castle Street, Bilston, WV14 9DD

The Vaccination

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
2 – 85 1 – 10 days n/a

*Vaccines work best if given time to become active. This vaccine can be given up to the day before travel and will provide some cover.

Yellow fever is a serious viral illness transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily found in parts of Africa, Central and South America. It is caused by the yellow fever virus, a flavivirus that targets the liver and other vital organs. The disease gets its name from the jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) that can occur in more severe cases due to liver damage. While many people infected with yellow fever experience only mild symptoms or none at all, a significant proportion develop a toxic phase involving high fever, internal bleeding, liver and kidney failure, and in some cases, death. There is no specific treatment or cure for yellow fever once contracted, which makes prevention (especially through vaccination) critically important. The condition remains a public health concern in endemic regions and can cause outbreaks with high mortality if not properly controlled.

Yellow fever is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, most commonly the Aedes aegypti species, which is active during the daytime. Unlike malaria, it is not transmitted through human contact. After biting an infected person or monkey, the mosquito can carry the virus and transmit it to others through subsequent bites. Urban areas can see rapid spread due to dense populations and standing water where mosquitoes breed. The most effective way to prevent yellow fever is vaccination, which offers strong and long-lasting protection. Travellers to affected regions should receive the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before departure to allow immunity to develop. In addition to vaccination, mosquito bite prevention is essential; this includes using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and sleeping under mosquito nets, especially in high-risk areas.

Yellow fever typically develops in stages. The initial symptoms appear three to six days after infection and include fever, chills, muscle pain (especially in the back), headache, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. This phase usually lasts three to four days, and many people recover completely at this point. However, around 15% of infected individuals enter a second, more severe “toxic phase” within 24 hours of feeling better. During this stage, symptoms worsen and may include jaundice, abdominal pain, bleeding from the mouth, nose, eyes, or stomach, and organ failure. This phase is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention, although intensive care options are limited in many of the regions where the disease is endemic. Fatality rates during the toxic phase can be as high as 20% to 50%, which underscores the importance of prevention through vaccination and mosquito control.

The yellow fever vaccine provides long-lasting, often lifelong, protection with just a single dose. It is a live, attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains a weakened version of the virus that stimulates the immune system to produce lasting immunity. Previously, a booster was recommended every 10 years, but current evidence shows that one dose is generally sufficient for lifelong protection in most people. However, certain countries or high-risk individuals—such as those with compromised immune systems—may be advised to receive a booster for added assurance. The vaccine becomes effective 10 days after administration, which is why travellers must plan accordingly before entering regions where yellow fever is endemic. It is also an entry requirement for some countries, and travellers may be denied entry without proof of vaccination, which is documented on an official International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).

The yellow fever vaccine is required or recommended for travel to several countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South and Central America where the virus is present. These include nations such as Brazil, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Peru, among others. Some countries also require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you’re arriving from or transiting through an affected region, even if your final destination is not itself endemic. For instance, travellers flying from Africa or South America to parts of Asia or the Middle East may be asked to show an up-to-date ICVP on arrival. Requirements vary by country, so it is essential to check travel health advice from a reliable source such as the UK’s NHS Fit for Travel website or consult a travel clinic well in advance. In some cases, vaccination is not only about personal protection but also a public health measure to prevent the spread of the virus into new areas.

The yellow fever vaccine is generally safe and well tolerated, particularly when administered at a certified travel clinic. Common side effects include mild reactions such as headache, low-grade fever, tiredness, or pain and redness at the injection site. These symptoms usually subside within a few days. Less commonly, people may experience muscle aches or general flu-like symptoms. Very rare but serious side effects include allergic reactions or, in extremely rare cases, yellow fever vaccine-associated viscerotropic or neurologic disease, which can mimic the actual illness. These serious reactions are more likely in older adults or individuals with weakened immune systems, which is why a risk assessment is required before vaccination, especially for those over 60 or with certain medical conditions. Despite the small risks, the vaccine’s benefits in protecting against a potentially deadly disease make it a vital precaution for travellers to high-risk areas.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

Simply call the clinic of your choice or send us an email enquiry, and our travel specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.

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The West Midlands Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.

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We offer competitive pricing on our vaccinations to ensure that essential healthcare is both affordable and accessible to everyone.

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