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Yellow Fever Vaccine

The yellow fever vaccine is a single-dose live-virus vaccine that provides lifelong protection against yellow fever, a mosquito-borne viral illness endemic to parts of Africa and South America. Many countries require proof of vaccination for entry.

Protects against
Yellow fever virus
Doses
Single dose
Schedule
At least 10 days before travel for certificate validity
Duration
Lifelong protection (WHO revised from 10-year booster to lifetime in 2016 for most travellers)

What it protects against

Yellow fever virus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes in equatorial Africa and tropical South America.

Who should get it

  • Travellers visiting yellow-fever endemic areas in Africa or South America
  • Travellers entering a country that requires proof of vaccination
  • Adventure travellers to rainforest or jungle regions

Not recommended for

  • Infants under 9 months
  • Adults 60+ without a careful risk/benefit discussion
  • People with severe egg allergy
  • Immunocompromised individuals (including HIV with low CD4 counts)
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women (case-by-case)

Destinations where Yellow Fever is recommended

Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda
Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia
Brazil (Amazon regions), Peru (Amazon), Colombia, Bolivia
Panama (Darien), Venezuela

Side effects & safety

  • Mild soreness at injection site
  • Low-grade fever or headache 5–10 days post-vaccination
  • Rare serious reactions (<1 in 100,000) — reason for careful screening

Key facts

  • 1Yellow fever certificate (ICVP) is valid for life as of 2016
  • 2Some countries still require certificate for entry even from Canada
  • 3Cannot be combined with MMR — must be spaced 4 weeks apart

Need the yellow fever for your trip?

Book a virtual consultation with a licensed Canadian physician. We'll review your itinerary, issue the prescription, and administer the vaccine at our Toronto pharmacy.

Book your consultation

Frequently asked: Yellow Fever Vaccine

Where can I get a yellow fever vaccine in Toronto?

Virtual Travel Clinic administers yellow fever vaccine at our affiliated Toronto pharmacy after an online consultation. We are a designated yellow fever vaccination centre and issue the official International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP).

Do I really need a yellow fever booster?

Under current WHO guidance (2016 onwards), a single yellow fever vaccination is considered protective for life for most travellers. Some countries may still ask for a recent stamp, so we discuss your itinerary carefully.

How much does the yellow fever vaccine cost in Canada?

Exact pricing is confirmed during your consultation. The cost typically includes both the vaccine and the issuing of the international certificate.

Explore other travel vaccines

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Recommendations vary based on your health history, destination, and planned activities. A consultation with our licensed physician is required before any prescription or vaccine is issued.