Yellow Fever Vaccine Leicester

Leicester Travel Clinics is planted inside The Local Pharmacy branches and provides a wide range of vaccinations, including the yellow fever vaccine. But what exactly is yellow fever, and who should be vaccinated against it?

Understanding Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a severe viral infection prevalent in tropical and humid countries. Symptoms of the disease can resemble the flu, with high fever and muscle and joint aches. Additionally, those affected by yellow fever experience jaundice, causing their skin and eyes to turn yellow, hence the name. Yellow fever is transmitted through mosquito bites. Mosquitoes become carriers of the virus after biting an infected human or monkey and can then transmit the virus to others.

Epidemics of yellow fever can occur in densely populated areas with low vaccination rates. However, the disease is not transmitted from person to person. Fortunately, there is a highly effective vaccine available to prevent yellow fever.

Determining the Need for the Yellow Fever Vaccine If you plan to visit a tropical or subtropical country, you might need to get vaccinated against yellow fever. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America, and the Caribbean are most commonly within the yellow fever zone. You can learn more about countries with yellow fever vaccination requirements on the Fit for Travel website.

Most individuals can safely receive the yellow fever vaccine, but there are some exceptions:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Infants younger than 9 months
• People over 60 years of age
• Those with weakened immune systems, such as chemotherapy patients
• Individuals allergic to the vaccine ingredients, including those with egg allergies
• People with thymus gland disorders

For some of the conditions listed above, a certificate of exemption may be granted. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with infants under 9 months are advised to postpone their trips until they can receive the vaccine.

Certain countries may require a yellow fever vaccination for entry. If you are unsure whether you need the vaccine, please contact our lovely pharmacists at Leicester Travel Clinics for advice. Even if you are vaccinated against yellow fever, it is essential to take measures to avoid mosquito bites, as mosquitoes can transmit other diseases. You may also need a yellow fever vaccination for travel to the Caribbean, including cruise vacations.

Yellow Fever Treatment Options

There isn’t a cure for yellow fever. However, symptom management is possible as your body combats the infection. The majority of individuals fully recover within 3 to 4 days. Nonetheless, nearly 50% of people experiencing severe yellow fever symptoms may not survive.

In the interim, pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and alleviate aches or discomfort. Make sure to stay hydrated by consuming ample fluids. If your symptoms are more severe, hospitalisation may be necessary for close observation and symptom treatment until your condition improves.

That’s why it’s so important to book a vaccine before you travel. Do not out your health at risk!

Booking a Yellow Fever Vaccine Leicester

You can schedule an appointment online using our travel vaccination booking service. We also offer walk-in appointments. Please note that you should receive your yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before travelling. Keep this in mind when scheduling your appointment.

What happens during your appointment?

The service is provided in a private consultation room. Our specially trained staff will explain the procedure and potential side effects. While all vaccinations carry risks, side effects are generally mild, such as headaches or fever lasting a couple of days.

The yellow fever vaccination is administered as a single injection into the upper arm. It does not require multiple injections or follow-up appointments to be effective. The injection site may be sore for a few days following the vaccination.

Yellow fever vaccinations provide lifelong protection, but some individuals may occasionally require booster doses. After receiving the vaccine, you will be issued a vaccination certificate.

Obtaining a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Vaccination certificates are only available at a designated yellow fever vaccination centres, like Leicester Travel Clinics. The pharmacist will issue the certificate after administering the vaccine. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after your vaccination, ensuring the vaccine is effective before your trip.

Leicester Travel Clinics – Certified and Accredited for your Confidence

Leicester Travel Clinics offers a variety of travel services to Leicester, Leicestershire and nearby areas. If you are planning a trip to a country within the yellow fever zone, you must get your vaccine, and we can of course help you 🙂

You can call us before you book online if you wish for advice. Or, if you’re certain you need the vaccine, simply use our online booking system below, and we’ll get your appointment prepared.

Wishing you, truly, the trip of a lifetime (we’re jealous!)

This blog post was written on behalf of Leicester Travel Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.