Yellow fever is a serious viral infection spread by infected mosquitoes in parts of Africa and South America. For many travellers, the yellow fever vaccine is one of the most important steps in travel health planning because it can protect you from severe illness, and it may also be a legal entry requirement for certain countries.
At Pharmacyexprezz, we’re an accredited Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre and can help you get travel-ready quickly, with same-day appointments when available and 24/7 online booking.
What is yellow fever?
Yellow fever is caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes (primarily Aedes and Haemagogus species). It can range from a mild, flu-like illness to severe disease affecting the liver and other organs.
Potential symptoms can include:
- Fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) in severe cases
- Bleeding and organ failure in rare, severe cases
If you’re travelling to a region where yellow fever is present, vaccination is the best protection.
Why the yellow fever vaccine matters for travellers
The yellow fever vaccine is unique because:
- It’s highly effective for most people
- It’s often required for entry (or for onward travel) by immigration authorities
- It may be required even if yellow fever isn’t common in the country you’re visiting, especially if you’re arriving from, or transiting through, a risk country
Many travellers only discover they need proof of vaccination when they check airline requirements or border rules, so it’s best to plan early.
Who needs the yellow fever vaccine?
You may need the yellow fever vaccine if you are:
- Travelling to countries where yellow fever transmission risk exists (parts of Africa and South America)
- Visiting rural areas, forests, or spending time outdoors where mosquito exposure is higher
- Travelling for work, volunteering, long stays, or multi-country trips
- Entering a country that requires proof of yellow fever vaccination (even if your destination isn’t a risk country)
You may need proof of vaccination if you:
- Are travelling to a country with an entry requirement
- Are transiting through a risk country (some destinations apply rules based on transit duration)
Because requirements can change, we’ll help you understand what applies to your itinerary during your consultation.
Example countries where yellow fever vaccination may be required or recommended
Country rules vary by passport, travel route, and whether you’re arriving from a yellow fever risk area. Below are examples of destinations where yellow fever vaccination is commonly recommended due to risk and/or required for entry in certain circumstances.
Examples in Africa
- Ghana
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Liberia
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Cameroon
- Kenya (requirements can depend on travel route)
- Uganda (requirements can depend on travel route)
- Angola
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Ethiopia (requirements can depend on travel route)
Examples in South America
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Peru
- Bolivia
- Ecuador (including some regions)
- Venezuela
- Guyana
- Suriname
- French Guiana
Important: This is not a complete list, and entry requirements can differ from “risk recommendations”. If you tell us:
- Where you’re going
- Any stopovers or transit countries
- How long you’ll be away
We can guide you on whether the yellow fever vaccine (and any other travel vaccines) are appropriate.
When should I get the yellow fever vaccine before travel?
Aim to book your appointment as early as possible, ideally several weeks before departure.
Some countries require your yellow fever vaccination certificate to be valid before entry (often 10 days after vaccination). If you’re travelling soon, contact us and we’ll do our best to fit you in.
Who should not have the yellow fever vaccine?
The yellow fever vaccine isn’t suitable for everyone. You should always have a clinical assessment first.
You may need extra caution, or may not be able to have the vaccine, if you:
- Have a weakened immune system (for example, due to certain medications or conditions)
- Have a history of severe allergy to vaccine ingredients
- Have had a serious reaction to a previous yellow fever vaccine
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding (a risk-benefit assessment is needed)
- Are travelling with infants or young children (age rules apply)
If the vaccine isn’t suitable, we can discuss alternatives such as mosquito bite prevention and travel planning.
Side effects: what to expect
Most people have no problems, but mild side effects can occur, such as:
- A sore arm or redness at the injection site
- A mild fever
- Headache
- Tiredness
We’ll provide clear aftercare advice and answer any questions during your appointment.
Yellow fever vaccine appointments at Pharmacyexprezz
We make travel health simple and convenient:
- Accredited Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre
- Private consultation room
- Same-day appointments available (subject to availability)
- 24/7 online booking
- Friendly, quick service with minimal waiting
How to book
- Book online anytime via our website: www.pharmacyexprezz.org.uk
- Or call us: 01493 857888
Travel health checklist (quick)
Before you fly, consider:
- Yellow fever vaccine requirements for your route
- Other vaccines you may need (for example: hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, meningitis, rabies)
- Malaria prevention (where relevant)
- Mosquito bite avoidance (repellent, long sleeves, nets)
- Travel insurance and a basic travel health kit
Ready to book your yellow fever vaccine?
If you’re travelling to Africa or South America, or your destination requires proof of vaccination, Pharmacyexprezz can help you get protected and travel with confidence.
Book online 24/7 at www.pharmacyexprezz.org.uk or call 01493 857888 to arrange your yellow fever vaccine appointment.