Travelling abroad is always an adventure. With all the snow in the UK it’s no surprise that people are now looking to head abroad where it’s warmer and beat the January blues. If you’re one of the lucky ones jetting off for some sunshine, don’t forget to plan ahead to protect yourself against potential health risks.

We know that vaccinations are not something to look forward to, but they’re so important that you can’t afford to skip them before you travel. A travel vaccine that we get a lot of questions about is the yellow fever vaccine.

We get asked which countries is it recommended for, how it works, and tips for staying safe while you travel. Whatever your question, we’re here to help you stay well before you travel.

What is yellow fever?

Yellow fever is a serious viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, predominantly in tropical regions of Africa and South America. If you’re travelling to central Africa or parts of Brazil, you should double check your vaccination status.

The illness gets its name from the jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) that can develop in severe cases. While many infected individuals experience only mild symptoms, severe cases can lead to organ failure, internal bleeding, and even death.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), yellow fever causes approximately 30,000 deaths annually, with most cases occurring in Africa. It’s not worth risking your health by skipping the vaccine, book your appointment with Crest Pharmacy to make sure you’re covered and fit to fly.

Do you need proof of yellow fever vaccination?

It’s not uncommon for countries experiencing high numbers of yellow fever cases to require proof that you’ve been vaccinated before you’re given entry. If you’re travelling to certain parts of Africa, South America, or the Caribbean, you may need proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter the country.

Common destinations where vaccination is mandatory or recommended include:

Africa: Countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Angola
South America: Countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Peru

Additionally, certain countries, even if not endemic for yellow fever, require proof of vaccination if you’re arriving from a yellow fever zone. This is often called a Yellow Fever Certificate or International Certificate of Vaccination. Always check the specific entry requirements for your destination well in advance.

At Crest Pharmacy we offer the yellow fever vaccine service with certification so once you’re vaccinated you’re covered and can prove your status wherever you travel too.

How the yellow fever vaccine is administered

Travel vaccines can be confusing with different vaccines needing to be administered at different times for best coverage. We’ve made our yellow fever vaccination service as simple as possible to help you get covered before you travel.

The yellow fever vaccine is a single-dose injection administered subcutaneously, usually into the upper arm. It contains a live but weakened form of the virus, which helps your immune system build protection against the disease.

A single dose provides lifelong immunity for most people. However, in rare cases, booster doses may be recommended for specific groups, such as travellers at continuous high risk of exposure.

The vaccine is generally safe for most people. However, it may not be suitable for those with weakened immune systems, severe allergies to egg protein, or certain health conditions. If you’re unsure if you’re able to have the vaccine speak to a member of our team.

If you do need the vaccine, it’s best to get vaccinated at least 10 days before travelling, as it takes this time for the vaccine to become effective.

After receiving the vaccine, you’ll be issued a Yellow Fever Certificate, which serves as proof of immunisation.

How to stay safe while travelling

Although the vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself, there are additional steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting yellow fever.

The virus is mostly transmitted through insect bites so taking steps to protect yourself from mosquitoes will go a long way in increasing your protection from yellow fever.

Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin. Wear loose, long-sleeved clothing and trousers to minimise exposed areas. If you can, sleep under a mosquito net if you’re staying in areas without air conditioning or screens.
Even better opt for lodgings with screened windows, fans, or air conditioning to deter mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes that transmit yellow fever are most active during daylight hours, particularly at dawn and dusk.

Once you’ve got your travel itinerary put together, take some time to research the yellow fever risk level in your destination and follow local advice on mosquito control.

By combining these measures with the yellow fever vaccination, you can reduce your chances of contracting yellow fever.

Symptoms of yellow fever to watch for

It’s important that you can recognise the symptoms of yellow fever, especially if you develop them during or after your trip. Symptoms typically appear 3–6 days after a mosquito bite and can range from mild to severe. If you do become bitten by a mosquito, be on the look out for the following symptoms of a mild infection:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting

More severe symptoms to be aware of and watch for are:

• High fever
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Dark urine
• Abdominal pain
• Bleeding from the mouth, nose, or eyes
• Confusion or seizures

Severe yellow fever can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect you have yellow fever while abroad, seek local medical care as soon as possible. If symptoms develop after you return home, contact your GP or visit a healthcare provider immediately.

Book your yellow fever vaccine at Crest Pharmacy

At our pharmacy’s travel clinic, we make protecting your health simple and convenient. We have locations across Birmingham, Tamworth, Kidderminster and Coventry so we’re never far away when you need us.

When you book your appointment our trained healthcare providers will assess your travel plans and health history to ensure the vaccine is right for you.

In addition to the yellow fever vaccine, we can advise on other travel vaccines and health precautions tailored to your destination. Planning ahead not only helps you stay safe but also ensures you meet any travel requirements without last-minute stress.

If you’re planning a trip, don’t leave your health to chance. Book your yellow fever vaccine with Crest Pharmacy today and travel with confidence.