If you’re planning a trip to South America or sub-Saharan Africa, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about yellow fever — and possibly the yellow fever jab. But do you actually need it? And what does it protect you from? At Mendus Pharmacy Travel Clinic, we help travellers prepare for trips all over the world, and one of the most common questions we get is about the yellow fever vaccine.
Here’s everything you need to know before you travel — from the risks to the legal requirements — and how we can help keep you safe and compliant.
What Is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is a serious viral illness transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti species. It’s called “yellow” fever because of the jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) that can occur in severe cases. While many people recover fully, yellow fever can lead to organ failure, internal bleeding, or death in a small percentage of cases.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for yellow fever — prevention through vaccination is the most effective form of protection.
Where Is Yellow Fever Found?
Yellow fever is endemic in parts of Africa, Central America, and South America. The countries where the risk is highest include:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Uganda
- Angola
- Cameroon
- Sierra Leone
- Sudan
- Senegal
- Brazil
- Peru
- Colombia
- Bolivia
- Venezuela
- Ecuador
- French Guiana
If you are travelling to any of these areas, or passing through an airport in a high-risk country, you may be required to show proof of vaccination to gain entry to your destination — or even to return to the UK or enter a third country afterwards.
Do I Have to Get the Yellow Fever Jab?
Many countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, particularly if you are arriving from or have recently travelled through a yellow fever-endemic area. This proof comes in the form of an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), which is issued to you when you receive the yellow fever jab.
In some cases, travellers who do not have proof of vaccination may be denied entry, quarantined, or even refused boarding by the airline before departure. It’s not just about your own health — these regulations are in place to prevent outbreaks of yellow fever in areas where the disease is not usually found.
At Mendus Pharmacy, we are a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, which means we are authorised to administer the vaccine and issue official ICVP certificates.
Who Should Not Get the Vaccine?
While the yellow fever jab is safe for most people, it is not suitable for everyone. People who may not be eligible include children under 9 months old, pregnant women (unless the risk of yellow fever is high), people with severe allergies to eggs or vaccine components, and those with weakened immune systems due to conditions or treatments.
If you’re unsure whether the vaccine is right for you, our pharmacist will assess your medical history and travel plans to determine the safest course of action. In some cases, we can issue a medical exemption certificate where appropriate.
How Long Does the Yellow Fever Jab Last?
A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides lifetime protection for most travellers. There’s no need for a booster in most cases, although some countries may have different entry requirements — we’ll let you know if any additional documentation is needed based on your destination.
The vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before travel, as this is how long it takes for immunity to build and the certificate to become valid.
Why Choose Mendus Pharmacy?
At Mendus Pharmacy, we’re committed to helping you stay safe and informed while travelling. When you book a yellow fever vaccination with us, you’ll receive the official yellow fever jab and ICVP certificate, as well as guidance from our team on further vaccinations needs.
We can also support you with any travel-related medication, including jet lag, period delay, or traveller’s diarrhoea tablets.
We offer a friendly, professional service with no long waiting times, and our expert team is always on hand to answer your questions.
Book Your Yellow Fever Jab Today
Don’t leave it to the last minute — book your yellow fever consultation at Mendus Pharmacy today and travel with peace of mind. We’ll help ensure you’re protected, prepared, and fully compliant with international travel regulations.
Reach out to find out more. We’re here to help you travel safely and stress-free.