Yellow Fever Vaccine
The yellow fever vaccine is a single shot that protects for life for most travellers and is legally required to enter many countries in Africa and South America. It must be given at a designated yellow fever vaccination center at least 10 days before travel, and you receive the yellow “International Certificate” card as proof.
Also known as: YF-Vax, Stamaril
Availability
Given at designated centers only
Start
At least 10 days before travel
Course
One dose, lifelong for most travellers
Typical cost
Commonly $150–$250; often not covered by insurance
Who needs it
- Anyone entering a country that requires proof of yellow fever vaccination (much of sub-Saharan Africa; parts of South America such as French Guiana; others require it if you arrive from a yellow fever country)
- Travellers to areas with yellow fever transmission risk even where it is not required for entry, including parts of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana and Nigeria
- Travellers age 9 months and older who are not immunocompromised and have no contraindication (see below)
How it works
It is a live, weakened form of the yellow fever virus. A single dose trains the immune system so strongly that the World Health Organization now considers one dose protective for life for most people, and a booster is no longer required for entry under the International Health Regulations. A small number of travellers, such as those vaccinated during pregnancy or while immunocompromised, may be advised to have a booster.
How and when it's given
The standard CDC summary. Your pharmacist confirms the schedule for your itinerary and health history.
- 1One injection, at least 10 days before you arrive in the risk or requirement country so protection has time to develop and the certificate becomes valid
- 2You receive an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP, the “yellow card”), stamped by the center. Keep it with your passport; border officials may ask for it
- 3Only designated yellow fever vaccination centers can give the vaccine and issue the certificate. In California these include selected pharmacies and travel clinics, not every pharmacy
- 4If the vaccine is medically not advisable for you, a center can issue a medical waiver letter; some countries accept it and some do not
Side effects and who should not take it
Common side effects
- Mild: sore arm, low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches in the first week (about 1 in 4 people)
- Rare but serious: an allergic reaction, or vaccine-associated neurologic or organ disease. The risk of the serious reactions rises with age, especially first-time vaccination at 60 and over
Talk to the pharmacist first if
- Infants under 6 months (not given) and 6–8 months (generally avoided)
- People with a weakened immune system: HIV with a low CD4 count, chemotherapy, high-dose steroids, transplant recipients, thymus disorders
- Anyone with a severe allergy to eggs or gelatin
- Travellers 60 and over receiving a first dose need an individual risk–benefit discussion, because serious adverse events are more frequent in this group
- Pregnant and breastfeeding travellers, unless travel to a high-risk area is unavoidable
Alternatives
Medical waiver letter
For travellers who cannot safely be vaccinated. Issued by a yellow fever center; accepted by some countries, refused by others, so check the destination's rule before relying on it.
Mosquito-bite prevention
Repellent (DEET or picaridin), long sleeves, and screened or air-conditioned rooms reduce risk for everyone, vaccinated or not. Yellow fever mosquitoes bite during the day.
How to get it in California
Voyax Health consultations are available to California residents.
Start your trip plan on Voyax Health. If any destination requires or recommends the vaccine, your health brief flags it and shows the days you have left to get it done.
Because the vaccine can only be given at a designated center, Voyax refers you to a certified yellow fever pharmacy or clinic near you in California rather than issuing a prescription. Your pharmacist reviews your age, health history and itinerary first, so you do not pay for a visit you cannot use.
Book the appointment at least two weeks before departure. Supply can be limited, and the certificate is not valid until 10 days after the shot.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the yellow fever vaccine good for?▼
For most travellers, one dose is considered protective for life, and since 2016 the International Health Regulations treat the certificate as valid for life. A booster may still be recommended for people vaccinated while pregnant, while immunocompromised, or before a stem-cell transplant. A few countries have been slow to update entry rules, so check the destination's current requirement.
Can I get the yellow fever vaccine at any pharmacy in California?▼
No. Only designated yellow fever vaccination centers can give it and issue the International Certificate. Some California pharmacies are registered centers; most are not. Voyax Health refers you to a certified location near you.
How many days before travel do I need the yellow fever shot?▼
At least 10 days. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination, and countries that require proof will check the date. Plan for two to three weeks in case appointments or supply are tight.
Which countries require a yellow fever vaccination certificate?▼
Requirements change, but they cluster in sub-Saharan Africa (for example Ghana, Angola, Uganda and many others require proof from all arrivals) and parts of South America (French Guiana requires it; Brazil and Peru recommend it for many regions). Many Asian and African countries require proof only if you are arriving from a yellow fever country. Your Voyax health brief checks each stop on your itinerary.
Destinations where this matters
Country guides where this vaccine or medication is commonly part of the plan.
GhanaHigh riskGhana carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Ghana. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
UgandaHigh riskUganda carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Uganda year-round. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
NigeriaHigh riskNigeria carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Nigeria year-round. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travelers 9 months and older. It's required for entry if coming from countries with yellow fever risk, including airport transits.
BrazilHigh riskBrazil carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in certain areas of Brazil. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
PeruModerate riskPeru carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in areas below 2,500m elevation east of the Andes. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
ColombiaModerate riskColombia carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in areas below 1,700m elevation. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Required for entry (applies below 2300m)
Related disease guides
Find out if your trip needs it
Enter your destinations and dates. Your free health brief shows whether yellow fever is a risk on your route; a licensed pharmacist then reviews your plan for $39.99 per traveller and refers you to a certified center near you.
Start my free health briefConsultations are available to California residents. Vaccines and medications are paid at your pharmacy.
Sources: CDC Yellow Book — Yellow Fever · CDC — Yellow Fever Vaccine · WHO — International Travel and Health (vaccination requirements). Last updated 2026-09-28. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a pharmacist or travel-medicine provider.