The rules surrounding the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) for yellow fever may seem complex, but don’t worry: the expert advisers at Canadian Travel Clinics have all the latest yellow fever information and can give you the advice you need.
What is a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever?
Yellow fever is a viral infection contracted via the bite of an infected mosquito. Vaccination with Stamaril provides long-term immunity to the disease and once you have been vaccinated you will be issued with a certificate.
Many affected countries require proof of vaccination (an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis) against yellow fever before you are allowed to enter. The vaccine needs to be administered at least 10 days before travelling to a country at risk. Countries on the edges of yellow fever zones will often want to see your ICVP as a condition of entry, particularly if you are coming from a place where yellow fever is endemic. If you cannot produce proof of immunity, you may be quarantined, immunized or refused entry. This could result in lengthy delays and cause you to miss out on activities or connecting flights. So, as you can see, depending on your itinerary, a yellow fever certificate could be very important!
An ICVP is valid for life. The certificate can only be obtained from a registered yellow fever vaccination centre, such as Canadian Travel Clinics’ Calgary branch.
Which countries require an International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever?
The yellow fever map is always changing and countries do amend their entry requirements from time to time. Check our destination guides or The Government of Canada’s travel advisories for information.
You can also discuss your itinerary with your travel health adviser when you come for your appointment at National Travel Clinics. They will be able to help you work out if you need a yellow fever certificate. You should get further advice if your travel plans change.
Which countries have a yellow fever risk?
If you are visiting Central or South America and Sub-Saharan Africa, you will be at risk of exposure to yellow fever and should get vaccinated against it. Even if you are immunized, you will need to avoid mosquito bites as the vaccine is not 100 per cent effective.
How do I get a yellow fever certificate?
When you are vaccinated against yellow fever you should receive a yellow fever certificate. Keep it safe: it is valid for the rest of your life.
I have lost my yellow fever certificate
It is safe to be revaccinated against yellow fever; and then a new certificate will be issued.
What is yellow fever?
Yellow fever is a serious, sometimes fatal, viral illness that is spread by a mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Fatality rates can be as high as 60 per cent. The symptoms of yellow fever are:
- sudden fever
- muscle pain
- headache
- nausea and vomiting
- jaundice
If you have been to a place where yellow fever is endemic and you have any feverish symptoms, see a doctor and tell them about your travel history.