May 26, 2012
Topics A-Z Infections Yellow Fever Immunisation Advice
Yellow Fever Immunisation Advice |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I have a holiday booked to Ghana, for which I need a yellow fever immunisation certificate to enter the country. I had the immunisation 5 years ago, but have lost the certificate, and my doctor cannot issue another without re-immunising me. But the vaccine is supposed to last for 10 years. Is there a risk to my health by getting another shot of the vaccine so soon?
Dear Catherine: Thank you for your question. The Yellow Fever vaccination offers protection for 10 years and subsequently re-vaccination/ booster dose is required to optimize the antibody response and protection. However I am not aware of any data indicating that there is an increased risk of adverse effects due to the vaccination if you are re-vaccinated /given the booster dose earlier ( ie <10 years since last vaccination).Since you require the certificate to travel I would advice re-vaccination against yellow fever. I would also suggest consulting a travel medicine clinic with regards to your situation. |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 01 March 2011 ) |
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