Planning to travel to Africa, South America or other tropical regions? You may need to get the yellow fever vaccine in Cardiff before you go.
Yellow fever is a serious viral infection spread by mosquitoes, and many countries require proof of vaccination for entry. Here’s everything you need to know about yellow fever, the vaccine and how to protect yourself while travelling.
Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne disease found in parts of Africa and Central and South America. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and can cause a range of symptoms ranging from mild illness to severe, life-threatening complications.
Symptoms typically develop 4 to 5 days after being bitten and may include:
Fever and chills
Headache
Back and muscle aches
Nausea and vomiting
Light sensitivity
Loss of appetite
In about 1 in 4 cases, yellow fever can lead to serious complications such as jaundice, internal bleeding and even organ failure. These severe symptoms can be fatal without prompt medical care.
If you’re travelling to a country where yellow fever is endemic or if a country requires it for entry, then the yellow fever vaccination is essential. Many countries enforce entry requirements that include an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly known as the yellow fever certificate or ‘YELLOW CARD’.
The vaccine is a single injection, usually given in the upper arm.
You must receive the vaccine at least 10 days before travelling, as the certificate becomes valid only after this period.
Once issued, the ICVP certificate is valid for life, even for older versions that previously had expiry dates.
The vaccine is only available at approved yellow fever vaccination centres, such as Cyncoed Pharmacy Travel Clinic.
Not everyone is eligible for the yellow fever vaccine. It may not be suitable for:
People with weakened immune systems
Those undergoing chemotherapy
Individuals with certain allergies or medical conditions
Infants under 6 months of age
Your suitability for receiving the Yellow Fever Vaccine will be discussed with you at your Initial Travel Clinic Consultation at Cyncoed Pharmacy. Our Travel Clinic Expert and Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Hayley Jones, will give you all the help and advice you need on all aspects of Travel for your trip.
Even after vaccination, it’s important to protect yourself from mosquito bites, as they can transmit other serious diseases like malaria, dengue fever and Zika virus. When travelling, take these precautions:
Use insect repellent with DEET
Wear long sleeves and trousers
Sleep under mosquito nets
Stay in air-conditioned or screened rooms
If you’re looking for a yellow fever vaccination centre in Cardiff, visit Cyncoed Pharmacy Travel Clinic. Our Travel expert will advise you on the vaccines and travel health precautions you need before your trip. We offer certified yellow fever vaccinations and provide the ICVP certificate required for international travel.
Book your yellow fever vaccine today and travel with peace of mind.
