Are you planning an exciting trip to a destination where yellow fever is a risk? While travel is thrilling, it’s important to prepare and stay safe. Yellow fever is a serious disease, but the good news is it’s preventable with the right vaccination. At South Ealing Pharmacy, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. This blog will give you everything you need to know about yellow fever, how to stay protected, and how to get vaccinated in South Ealing.
What is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is caused by a virus that’s spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It’s found in parts of Africa, Central America, and South America. Once bitten by an infected mosquito, the virus enters your bloodstream and can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to life-threatening.
The UK is free of yellow fever mosquitoes, but anyone travelling to a country where yellow fever exists is at risk. Knowing how to protect yourself is key.
Symptoms of Yellow Fever
The tricky part about yellow fever is that some people don’t show symptoms. For those who do, the symptoms often come on suddenly. Here’s what to look out for:
- High fever
- Headache
- Muscle and back pain
- Chills or shivers
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling very tired
In severe cases, yellow fever can cause bleeding, liver failure, and jaundice (a condition where the skin and eyes turn yellow). This is why it’s called “yellow” fever.
How Serious is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is not just another travel illness—it can be deadly. Severe cases can lead to organ failure, bleeding, and death. Around 30-60% of people who develop severe symptoms don’t survive.
What makes this disease especially concerning is that there’s no specific treatment. Doctors can only manage symptoms and offer supportive care. That’s why prevention through vaccination is so important.
Treatment and Prevention
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for yellow fever. Once you catch it, treatment focuses on managing symptoms like pain and dehydration. This makes prevention your best defence.
Here are the key ways to protect yourself:
- Get the yellow fever vaccine. It’s highly effective and provides long-term protection.
- Avoid mosquito bites. Use insect repellents, wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, and sleep under a mosquito net if needed.
- Check travel requirements. Many countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter.
The Yellow Fever Vaccination
The yellow fever vaccine is your strongest protection. It’s a single injection that provides immunity for most people for life. In some cases, a booster might be required, but for the majority, one dose is all you need.
The vaccine is made from a weakened version of the virus, which helps your body build immunity without causing illness. It’s safe, effective, and essential for anyone travelling to high-risk areas.
💉 Book your Yellow Fever Vaccination at South Ealing Pharmacy today.
Is There a Need for a Booster Dose?
For most travellers, one dose of the yellow fever vaccine is enough for life. However, if you were vaccinated many years ago and have a weakened immune system, you may need a booster. This is rare and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
The World Health Organization has confirmed that for most people, the yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong immunity.
How Much Does the Yellow Fever Vaccine Cost?
At South Ealing Pharmacy, we offer the yellow fever vaccine at a competitive price of £65. This includes:
- The vaccine itself
- A consultation with our trained pharmacist
- An official International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), which is required for travel to certain countries
Certificate for Yellow Fever Vaccination
When you get vaccinated, you’ll receive an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). This is an official document that proves you’ve had the vaccine.
Some countries won’t let you in without this certificate, especially if they’re in a yellow fever risk zone. Make sure you keep it safe and pack it with your passport and travel documents.
Common Side Effects of the Yellow Fever Vaccine
The yellow fever vaccine is very safe, but like any medication, it can have side effects. Most are mild and go away within a few days. These include:
- Soreness or redness at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Headache or tiredness
These side effects are normal and show that your body is building protection.
Rare Side Effects
Serious side effects from the yellow fever vaccine are extremely rare. In very few cases, people may experience allergic reactions or a condition called yellow fever vaccine-associated disease (YEL-AVD).
This is why the vaccine isn’t recommended for certain groups, like:
- People with severe allergies to egg or gelatin
- Those with weakened immune systems
- Babies under 9 months old
If you’re unsure whether the vaccine is right for you, our team can help.
Travel Health Tips
While the yellow fever vaccine is essential for travel to high-risk areas, there are other steps you can take to stay healthy abroad:
- Check other vaccination requirements. Depending on where you’re going, you might also need vaccines for diseases like typhoid, hepatitis A, or rabies.
- Pack a travel health kit. Include basics like pain relievers, plasters, anti-diarrhoea tablets, and rehydration salts.
- Protect yourself from mosquitoes. In addition to yellow fever, mosquitoes can spread diseases like malaria and dengue. Use a good repellent and wear protective clothing.
- Drink safe water. Stick to bottled or boiled water, and avoid ice in drinks if you’re unsure of its source.