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Yellow Fever Vaccine in Toronto — Designated Provider, ICVP Certificate & Who Needs It

The yellow fever vaccine is a single-dose live-virus vaccine providing lifelong protection against yellow fever — a potentially fatal mosquito-borne illness endemic to tropical Africa and South America. The Virtual Travel Clinic is a Yellow Fever designated provider in Toronto, authorized to administer the vaccine and issue the official WHO ICVP certificate required for entry to many countries.

Medically reviewed by the TVTC clinical teamLast reviewed: May 2026Sources:PHACWHO
Protects against
Yellow fever virus
Doses
Single dose
Schedule
At least 10 days before travel — the ICVP certificate is only valid for entry starting 10 days post-vaccination
Duration
Lifelong protection — WHO revised guidance in 2016: a single dose is valid for life for most travellers. Booster doses are no longer routinely recommended.

What it protects against

Yellow fever virus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes in equatorial Africa and tropical South America. Without vaccination, yellow fever has a fatality rate up to 50% in severe cases. The vaccine is 99%+ effective.

Who should get it

  • Travellers to sub-Saharan Africa where Yellow Fever is endemic (Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire)
  • Travellers to Amazon regions of South America (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador)
  • Travellers transiting through endemic countries — brief layovers can trigger certificate requirements
  • Anyone requiring the ICVP certificate for visa or entry purposes

Not recommended for

  • Infants under 9 months (absolute contraindication)
  • Adults 60+ — risk of serious adverse events is higher; requires careful risk/benefit discussion
  • Severe egg allergy or gelatin allergy
  • Immunocompromised individuals (HIV with low CD4, active chemotherapy, high-dose steroids)
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women — case-by-case physician assessment required
  • History of thymus disease (thymoma, thymectomy, myasthenia gravis)

Destinations where Yellow Fever is recommended

Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia
Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Mali
Brazil (Amazon), Peru (Amazon), Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador
Panama (Darien Gap), Venezuela

Full destination guides for Yellow Fever travel

Explore our country guides — each covers the full vaccine plan, malaria risk, local health considerations, and FAQs.

Side effects & safety

  • Mild soreness or redness at injection site
  • Low-grade fever, headache, or muscle aches 5–10 days post-vaccination (common, resolves in 1–2 days)
  • Rare serious reactions (<1 in 100,000) — reason for careful physician screening before administration
  • Yellow fever vaccine-associated neurotropic disease (YEL-AND) and viscerotropic disease (YEL-AVD) — very rare, highest risk in adults 60+

Key facts

  • 1As of 2016, the WHO considers a single yellow fever vaccination valid for life for most travellers
  • 2The ICVP is only accepted for entry starting 10 days after vaccination — book early
  • 3Cannot be given simultaneously with MMR vaccine — space 4 weeks apart
  • 4TVTC is one of the few Yellow Fever designated providers in the GTA — the designation is required to administer the vaccine
  • 5Designated status means we stock the vaccine year-round and are authorized to issue the official ICVP

Get vaccinated at our Toronto travel clinic

Book a virtual consultation with our ISTM CTH® physicians, then visit our Toronto pharmacy for vaccination. We serve patients from across the GTA — including Mississauga, Etobicoke, and across Toronto.

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.

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Frequently asked: Yellow Fever Vaccine

Where can I get a Yellow Fever vaccine in Toronto?

The Virtual Travel Clinic is a designated Yellow Fever vaccination centre in Toronto — one of the few in the GTA authorized to administer the Stamaril vaccine and issue the official WHO ICVP certificate. Your physician consultation is virtual; the injection is at our Toronto pharmacy location. No walk-ins — book your consultation first.

Is the ICVP Yellow Fever certificate included in the vaccine price?

Yes — the International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis (ICVP) is issued at the time of vaccination and included in the vaccine fee. There is no separate certificate charge. Under current WHO 2016 guidance, the certificate is valid for life for most travellers.

How long before travel do I need the Yellow Fever vaccine?

The ICVP certificate is valid for international entry starting 10 days after vaccination. Book at least 2–3 weeks before departure — this gives you a comfortable margin. Same-day vaccination is available at our pharmacy once the consultation is complete, but plan for the 10-day certificate activation period.

Do I need Yellow Fever vaccine for Kenya?

Kenya does not universally require Yellow Fever from Canadian travellers (Canada is not a risk country). However, Yellow Fever is endemic in Kenya and vaccination is strongly recommended for all areas below 2,000 m — which includes all major safari destinations (Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo). Nairobi is at borderline altitude — most physicians recommend vaccination for complete protection.

Do I need a Yellow Fever booster shot?

Under current WHO 2016 guidance, a single Yellow Fever vaccination is considered protective for life for most travellers. Some countries may request a certificate stamped within the last 10 years on their entry forms — our physician verifies current requirements for your specific destination. In general, boosters are not required.

Who should NOT get the Yellow Fever vaccine?

The Yellow Fever vaccine is a live-virus vaccine with specific contraindications: infants under 9 months, adults 60+ (higher risk of serious adverse events — careful physician review required), severe egg or gelatin allergy, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women (case-by-case), and those with thymus disease history. Our physician screens all patients carefully before administration.

Can I get a medical exemption from Yellow Fever vaccine?

Yes — if you have a contraindication to the Yellow Fever vaccine (such as severe egg allergy or immunocompromise), we can issue a medical waiver letter. However, some countries do not accept waivers and may deny entry or require quarantine. Our physician discusses the implications for your specific destination at consultation.

Which countries require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination for entry?

Over 40 countries require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if you are arriving from or have transited through a Yellow Fever endemic country. Some countries require proof regardless of your origin. Notable examples include Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Angola, Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. The ICVP (yellow card) is the internationally recognized certificate — our Yellow Fever designated pharmacy issues it upon vaccination.

Can I get a Yellow Fever booster certificate in Ontario?

If you need an updated ICVP or a booster, we can administer the vaccine and update your yellow card at our designated pharmacy. Book a virtual consultation first — our physician will confirm whether you need a new dose or if your existing certificate is still valid (lifetime validity rules now apply for most travellers vaccinated after 2016).

Related reading

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.