Yellow Fever Vaccination Oxford

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. It can cause severe symptoms, including fever, jaundice, and organ damage, and can be prevented through vaccination.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Pricing & Dose Schedule

Book an Appointment

Attend your Appointment

Get Vaccinated

Book an Appointment now

OXFORD'S PREMIER TRAVEL VACCINATION CLINIC

Book your Yellow Fever Vaccine today

Book an appointment online at your convenience using our calendar below. Alternatively call in store and our healthcare professionals will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

Anchor 1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yellow fever?

Yellow fever is a serious viral disease that is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America, where it can cause outbreaks and pose a significant health risk to travellers.

The symptoms of yellow fever can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, individuals may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and nausea. However, in severe cases, the disease can progress to a more dangerous stage known as toxic phase. During this stage, symptoms can include high fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, and bleeding. Severe yellow fever can lead to organ failure and, in some cases, even death.

Fortunately, a highly effective yellow fever vaccine is available to provide protection against the disease. It is recommended for travellers visiting areas with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Vaccination not only safeguards individuals from the disease but also helps prevent its spread to other populations. In addition to vaccination, travellers should also take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and staying in screened or air-conditioned accommodations. By combining vaccination and mosquito bite prevention measures, travellers can significantly reduce their risk of contracting yellow fever and enjoy a safe and healthy journey.

How can you contract Yellow fever?

Yellow fever is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, specifically the Aedes aegypti and Haemagogus species. These mosquitoes become infected with the yellow fever virus by biting infected humans or monkeys.

There are two main transmission cycles for yellow fever: urban and sylvatic. In urban areas, the virus is primarily transmitted between mosquitoes and humans. Mosquitoes become infected by biting an infected person and then spread the virus to other individuals through subsequent bites. This cycle can lead to outbreaks in densely populated areas.

In sylvatic or jungle areas, the virus is transmitted between mosquitoes and non-human primates, such as monkeys. Humans visiting or working in these areas can contract yellow fever if they are bitten by an infected mosquito. People who live or work in tropical or subtropical regions where yellow fever is endemic are at the highest risk of contracting the disease.

It is important to note that yellow fever cannot be directly transmitted from person to person. Mosquitoes play a crucial role in the transmission of the virus. Therefore, taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and staying in screened or air-conditioned accommodations, is essential in preventing yellow fever infection.

Symptoms of Yellow fever

The symptoms of yellow fever can vary in severity, ranging from mild to severe. After an incubation period of 3 to 6 days, the initial symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, chills, loss of appetite, and nausea or vomiting. These symptoms are similar to those of other viral infections and can last for about 3 to 4 days.

In some cases, the initial symptoms may improve, and the person enters a period of remission. However, for some individuals, a more severe form of the disease known as toxic phase can occur. During this phase, the fever returns and the symptoms worsen. Additional symptoms may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, abdominal pain, bleeding from the mouth, nose, and eyes, and organ dysfunction.

The severe form of yellow fever can lead to liver and kidney failure, haemorrhage, and potentially death. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of yellow fever, especially if you have recently travelled to an area where the disease is present. Early diagnosis and supportive care can improve the chances of recovery.

How is Yellow fever treated?

There is no specific antiviral treatment for yellow fever. The treatment for yellow fever focuses on managing the symptoms and providing supportive care to the affected individual. Hospitalisation is often required for individuals with severe cases of yellow fever.

Supportive care measures may include adequate hydration, pain relief with medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol), and treatment for associated complications like liver and kidney failure. In severe cases, intensive care unit (ICU) management may be necessary.

Prevention is the most effective approach to combat yellow fever. Vaccination is the key preventive measure and is highly recommended for individuals traveling to or residing in areas where yellow fever is endemic. Additionally, taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and staying in screened or air-conditioned accommodations, can help reduce the risk of contracting yellow fever.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or travel health clinic well in advance of travel to determine the appropriate vaccination and preventive measures based on your specific situation and travel plans.

How to prevent Yellow fever?

The most effective way to prevent yellow fever is through vaccination. The yellow fever vaccine is highly recommended for individuals traveling to or residing in areas where yellow fever is endemic. The vaccine provides long-term protection and is considered safe and effective.

In addition to vaccination, taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites is crucial in preventing yellow fever. Here are some measures to reduce the risk of mosquito bites:

Use insect repellents: Apply insect repellents containing DEET or other recommended ingredients to exposed skin and clothing. Follow the instructions on the product label for proper use.
Wear protective clothing: Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes, especially during peak mosquito activity times (dawn and dusk).
Stay in screened or air-conditioned accommodations: Use mosquito nets or stay in accommodations with properly screened windows and doors. If possible, use air conditioning to keep the living area mosquito-free.
Eliminate mosquito breeding sites: Mosquitoes that transmit yellow fever breed in stagnant water. Remove or empty any containers or areas of standing water, such as buckets, flowerpots, and gutters, to minimise mosquito breeding.
Stay away from areas with known outbreaks: Stay informed about yellow fever outbreaks and avoid travel to areas where the disease is prevalent.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional or travel health clinic well in advance of your travel to discuss the specific preventive measures and vaccination requirements based on your destination and individual health status.