What is Yellow Fever Vaccine?
Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease found in parts of Africa and South America. One dose of vaccine protects for life. Pakistan requires proof of vaccination from travellers aged 1 year and over arriving from countries with yellow fever risk.
Dosage and schedule
One dose for life. Get it at least 10 days before travel: the certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination.
Who it's for
- Travellers aged 9 months and over going to areas with yellow fever risk
- Anyone who will enter Pakistan or another country from a yellow fever risk country
Benefits
- A single dose gives lifelong protection; no booster is needed.
- The international certificate is valid for life.
- Needed to enter many countries, including Pakistan, after being in a country with yellow fever risk.
Diseases prevented
- Yellow fever
Common reactions
- Mild headache, muscle aches or a low fever for a few days.
- Soreness where the injection was given.
Precautions
- Not given to babies under 9 months.
- Not usually given in pregnancy, except during outbreaks.
- Not given to people with a severe egg allergy or a severely weakened immune system.
- People aged 60 and over should discuss the benefits and risks with a doctor.
When to seek help
- Seek care for high fever, severe headache, confusion, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or difficulty breathing after vaccination.