Yellow Fever: What It Is, Who Needs the Vaccine, and How to Book at TMB

Yellow Fever (YF) doesn’t grab headlines the way other travel-related illnesses do, but for anyone heading to parts of Africa, South America or even transiting through certain airports, it still matters. Not understanding the rules can mean being denied boarding, refused entry, or scrambling for last-minute documentation. Here’s a straight, dependable guide so travellers know exactly what they need, and where TMB fits in.

What Exactly Is Yellow Fever?

Yellow Fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, most common in tropical areas of Africa and South America. Symptoms can range from mild fever to very severe liver complications with a mortality reaching 30% to 40%. There’s no cure. Prevention from mosquito bites is the only protection, and that’s why the YF vaccine and certificate system exists.

The vaccine provides long‑lasting immunity and is recognised worldwide through the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), usually referred to as the Yellow Book.

Who May Need the Yellow Fever Vaccine?

Two main groups:

1. Travellers heading to Yellow Fever risk countries such as Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Tanzania, Kenya, or Uganda may be required or at least recommended to have evidence of cover against this disease.

2. Travellers transiting through Yellow Fever risk airports such as Addis Ababa, Nairobi, São Paulo or Bogotá. Even airport transits can trigger entry requirements in your final destination.

When You Don’t Need the Vaccine

Examples include:

Direct travel from Ireland or the UK/Europe to a non‑risk country.
Infants under 9 months. (very occasionally needed from 6 months of age upwards)

What is Possible for Those Who Have a Contraindication to Receiving the Vaccine
Because this is a live vaccine there is always a higher possibility that the vaccine itself may be contraindicated for a particular individual. In these situations, it may be possible for the vaccinating doctor to provide a medical exemption certificate which will almost always be accepted by the immigration authorities. However, this certificate is only available for those who have a clear medical reason why they cannot be administered the vaccine but it always has to be understood that the exemption certificate provides no protection whatsoever against the possibility of contracting the disease.

Where an Exemption Certificate May be Considered

Those with certain medical conditions or an age profile where there may have a weakened immune system.
Those with an allergy to components of the vaccine.

How Far in Advance Should Travellers Get Vaccinated?

The Yellow Fever vaccine should where possible be given at least 10 days before travel to be valid. One dose usually provides life‑long protection for most adults.