The new 2017 yellow fever certificate requirements and recommendations listed in the World Health Organization publication, International Travel and Health have recently been published.
Yellow fever vaccination is carried out for two different purposes:
- To prevent the international spread of the disease by protecting countries from the risk of importing or spreading yellow fever virus. These are mandatory requirements established by the country. The countries that require proof of vaccination are those where the disease may or may not occur and where the mosquito and potential non-human primate hosts of yellow fever are present. Any importation of the virus by an infected traveler could result in its propagation and establishment, leading to a permanent risk of infection for the human population. Proof of vaccination is often required for travelers coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (including, sometimes, for travelers transiting through such countries).
Some countries require proof of vaccination from all travelers
- To protect individual travelers who may be exposed to yellow fever infection. As yellow fever is frequently fatal for those who have not been vaccinated, vaccination is recommended for all travelers (with a few exceptions) visiting areas where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission. An individual risk assessment is indicated for all travelers.
Yellow fever vaccination can only be administered at designated yellow fever centres such as Global Health Travel Clinic. Please call us to check your requirements for Yellow Fever before you travel.