Yellow Fever Vaccination at Coolangatta Medical Center

Yellow fever is a disease that’s transmitted by mosquito bites, specifically from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These mosquitoes live in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates. As of 2023, there have been 34 countries in Africa and 13 countries in Central and South America are either endemic for, or have regions that are endemic for yellow fever.1

Yellow fever symptoms can vary in every person. Some may not experience symptoms, while others may experience initial signs. Common symptoms include: 

• Fever
• Muscle pain
• Back pain
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue

In most cases, symptoms disappear after 3 to 4 days, whereas a small percentage of patients enter a more toxic phase within 24 hours of their initial symptoms.

In severe cases, symptoms include high fever, jaundice such as yellow skin or eyes and bleeding from the nose, eyes, and stomach.1 If left untreated, yellow fever can lead to serious health complications such as:

• Coma
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
• Organ failure (kidneys and/or liver)
• Salivary gland infection
• Secondary bacterial infections
• Shock
• Death

While cases are more common in tropical areas of Africa, South and Central America, anyone can get yellow fever. However, infants aged less than 9 months,  pregnant women, and older people can be more vulnerable to severe infection in a yellow fever outbreak. The risk of infection is also much higher for individuals who are living with severe immunodeficiency due to symptomatic HIV/AIDS or other causes.2

Yellow fever virus is spread through infected mosquito bites. One of the best ways to prevent the disease is to protect yourself from mosquitoes especially while you’re outdoors or travelling in areas that are at high risk of yellow fever. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use insect repellent
• Wear shoes, socks, long-sleeved shirts and pants
• Treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin
• Use scents such as citronella, peppermint, lavender
• Choose lodging with air conditioning, screens on windows and doors, or use a mosquito net if you will be sleeping outdoors
• If possible, stay indoors during dusk or evenings when mosquitoes are most likely active

More importantly, get vaccinated, if vaccination is recommended for you. Getting the yellow fever vaccine is extremely effective, safe, and affordable. A single dose of yellow fever vaccine can offer you immunity and life-long protection against the disease.

Immediately call your healthcare provider if you suspect you have yellow fever. If you are experiencing initial yellow fever symptoms, have recently travelled to countries with high-risk yellow fever cases, or are unvaccinated, consult your doctor to confirm your condition. Yellow fever symptoms can mimic symptoms of other tropical diseases, such as malaria and typhoid. Therefore, it is crucial to receive a proper diagnosis so you can get started on the right treatment.

Yellow fever can be prevented with a live-attenuated yellow fever vaccine also known as  17D. For over 60 years, the vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective to actively immunise children and adults against infection with the yellow fever virus.3

The yellow fever vaccination provides effective immunity within 10 days for 80–100% of people vaccinated. A single dose of yellow fever vaccine can offer you immunity and life-long protection against the disease.

Side-effects from the vaccine are usually mild. If any, here are common side effects that may be experienced between 5 to 10 days:

• Mild fever
• Headache.
• Joint and muscle pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Soreness at the injection site

If you are unsure of whether or not you are a candidate for the yellow fever vaccine, consult your doctor or visit us at Coolangatta Medical Centre to get more information about the disease and the benefits of getting vaccinated.