If you travel to a region where yellow fever is common, you can protect yourself from getting sick by acquiring the very effective yellow fever vaccine. Even if you have received the jab, you should avoid mosquito bites since they can spread other dangerous illnesses. Keep reading to find out more about the yellow fever vaccine in Cheltenham.
Who should get the yellow fever vaccine in Cheltenham?
People older than nine who plan to travel to the countries where yellow fever is prevalent are advised to get the yellow fever vaccine. There are also countries that need you to show confirmation of your yellow fever vaccination. These include Trinidad, Central America, South America, and Sub-Saharan Africa regions.
You should get the shot at least 10 days before your trip to give the vaccine time to work.
After obtaining the MMR vaccine, you or your child should most likely wait 4 weeks before receiving the yellow fever vaccine.
You can still get the jab if you can't wait the recommended four weeks. However, you should also think about getting an additional dose of MMR after that. Individual considerations regarding the yellow fever vaccine can be made for those who are still at risk.
Can someone who is older than 60 still get shots?
You can receive the yellow fever vaccination if you're 60 years of age or older. However, ensure you are in good health, are aware of any possible adverse effects, and are going somewhere where there is a high chance of exposure to the virus. Your pharmacist or doctor will discuss with you the possibility that you will get sick where you are going, alongside any potential adverse effects of the vaccine. This will help you make an educated decision regarding immunisation.
After I get a yellow fever vaccine, how long does the protection last?
Most people who get the yellow fever vaccine are protected from the disease for as long as they live.
Only a small percentage of travellers who are going to areas where yellow fever is common should get a second dose of the immunisation. This also applies to those who’ve already received the vaccine but:
- Were under the age of two
- Were pregnant
- Had a bone marrow transplant thereafter
- Were HIV positive
- Had a compromised immune system
Please get in touch with us if you're unsure whether you need to take another dose before you travel abroad.
Who should not be immunised against yellow fever?
Some people are unable to receive the yellow fever vaccine despite being advised to. Some of these individuals are:
- Infants under the age of six months.
- People whose immune systems are compromised, such as those who have lymphoma or leukaemia.
- Those whose immune systems have been impaired by chemotherapy and steroid treatment.
- Those who are sensitive to eggs or any of the vaccine's components.
- People who have had their thymus gland removed or who suffer from thymus gland illnesses.
- Those whose prior dosage of the yellow fever vaccine caused a serious allergic reaction.
- People travelling to places where vaccination is usually not recommended for those over the age of 60.
- People whose close relatives have had a serious vaccination reaction, such as brain injury or damage to other organs.
Which countries require immunisation against yellow fever?
It is necessary to get immunised before travelling to countries where yellow fever is present. It’s also recommended that you get vaccinated even if you are passing through such countries.
Does the yellow fever vaccine in Cheltenham have any side effects?
People who have not received the immunisation are more likely to experience side effects than those who have.
Up to one in three people may have the following side effects after receiving an immunisation:
- A headache
- Muscle pain
- A rise in the temperature
- Pain at the injection site
These negative effects normally subside within two weeks. Rarely, people can have more serious side effects, like an allergic reaction to an ingredient of the vaccine.
Is a yellow fever vaccination necessary?
If there is a potential that the vaccination will have a serious side effect, your pharmacist may advise that you avoid it. If it is assessed that the danger of severe vaccine side effects outweighs the risk of sickness, the same circumstance may apply.
A medical exemption certificate may be provided in some cases if it is decided that there is a low risk of sickness. Nevertheless, this should only be done with your consent. It’s important to note that a medical exemption certificate is only valid for one trip.
The yellow fever vaccine won't keep you from getting malaria, therefore, you should avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes while travelling. We also offer antimalarials in-store to protect you in the event that you do get bitten.
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