At Doctor At Home, we care about your health and well-being. That’s why we offer the yellow fever vaccine in Puerto Vallarta. Below, we provide essential information about yellow fever, the vaccine, its effectiveness, who can receive it, who should not, and possible side effects.
What is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is a severe viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. Symptoms can range from fever and muscle aches to more severe complications like liver and kidney failure, which can be fatal.
What is the Vaccine for and Its Effectiveness?
The yellow fever vaccine is highly effective and provides long-term immunity against the virus. It is especially recommended for travelers heading to areas where yellow fever is endemic. A single dose of the vaccine offers lifetime protection in most cases.
Who Can Receive the Vaccine?
The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for:
- Individuals over 9 months of age traveling to areas where yellow fever is endemic.
- Residents in yellow fever risk areas.
- Laboratory workers handling the yellow fever virus.
Who Should Not Receive the Vaccine?
The vaccine is not recommended for:
- Infants younger than 9 months.
- Individuals with severe allergies to egg protein.
- Individuals with weakened immune systems (such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or on immunosuppressive medications).
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (they should consult their doctor).
Yellow Fever Vaccine Side Effects
The vaccine is safe for most people, but it can cause some side effects, which are generally mild and temporary. These include:
- Pain at the injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
In rare cases, severe side effects like severe allergic reactions or neurological complications may occur. It is important to watch for any unusual symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary.
Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements for International Travel
Beyond its medical importance, the yellow fever vaccine is also a common requirement for international travelers. There are two main scenarios where the vaccine is requested:
- Entry from countries with active transmission: If the traveler is coming from regions where yellow fever is endemic —such as most of sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South American countries (Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, among others)— many destinations will require proof of vaccination.
- Countries aiming to prevent virus introduction: Even nations without local cases may request the certificate from travelers arriving from risk areas. This is the case in several Asian countries (China, India, Singapore, Thailand) and in the Caribbean (such as Trinidad and Tobago), as well as some North African nations (Morocco, Egypt, South Africa).
For this reason, it is essential to check the specific requirements of each destination before traveling, as they may vary depending on embassies and airlines.
International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP)
The official proof of vaccination is the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly known as the “yellow card.” This document, issued under World Health Organization (WHO) standards, has a globally recognized format and includes:
- Traveler’s identification details.
- Vaccine information (name, manufacturer, batch number, date of administration).
- Signature and official stamp of the authorized international vaccination center.
Its validity begins 10 days after vaccination and, according to WHO, it lasts for life. However, some countries still request a booster after 10 years, so it is advisable to verify the regulations of your specific destination.
Key Considerations and Peculiarities
Failure to comply with the requirement can cause travel complications:
- Immigration authorities may deny entry or even impose a quarantine of up to six days if a valid certificate is not presented.
- In cases of medical contraindications (such as pregnancy, immunosuppression, or severe egg allergy), a special medical waiver certificate can be issued, though not all countries will accept it.
- A layover of more than 12 hours in a country with transmission risk can also trigger the requirement, even if the traveler does not leave the airport.
- The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before traveling, as it will not be considered valid if given right before departure.
Contact Us for Pricing and Availability
If you are planning to travel to a risk area or need the yellow fever vaccine in Puerto Vallarta, do not hesitate to contact us. At Doctor At Home, we offer the convenience of home vaccination. Call us or send a message via WhatsApp at 322 220 4072 for more information, pricing, and availability of the vaccine.