Overview
Protects against yellow fever virus, a mosquito-borne disease causing severe haemorrhagic fever, found in tropical Africa and South America.
Required for entry to certain countries in Africa and South America (International Health Regulations). Recommended for all travellers to areas with risk of yellow fever virus transmission. Can only be administered at designated and approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Australia.
Vaccination Schedule
Standard schedule: Single dose. WHO position: a single dose provides lifelong protection for most travellers. International Certificate of Vaccination valid for life of the vaccinated person (amended from 10-year validity in 2016).
Accelerated schedule: No accelerated schedule. Single dose only.
Route: Subcutaneous injection
Brands Available in Australia (TGA-Registered)
- Stamaril (Sanofi)
Cost in Australia
Estimated cost: $150-$250 per dose (includes vaccine, administration, and International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis)
Medicare/PBS: Not funded under NIP or PBS. Available only at approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres. Private prescription only.
Efficacy & Duration
Efficacy: Greater than 99% seroconversion after a single dose within 30 days
A single dose produces neutralising antibodies in more than 99% of recipients within 30 days. Immunity develops in 80% of recipients within 10 days. The WHO considers a single dose sufficient for lifelong protection.
Duration of protection: Lifelong for most recipients after a single dose (WHO, 2013). International Certificate of Vaccination is valid for the life of the vaccinated person. A booster may be considered for specific high-risk groups (immunocompromised, pregnant at time of initial vaccination, young children).
Side Effects
| Side Effect | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Injection site pain, redness | Common (10-50%) |
| Headache, myalgia, mild fever, malaise | Common (10-50%) |
| Yellow fever vaccine-associated neurotropic disease (YEL-AND) | Rare (approximately 0.8 per 100,000 doses) |
| Yellow fever vaccine-associated viscerotropic disease (YEL-AVD) | Very rare (approximately 0.4 per 100,000 doses; higher risk in persons aged 60+) |
Contraindications
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to eggs, chicken proteins, gelatin, or any vaccine component
- Immunocompromised individuals (live vaccine) including HIV with CD4 count below 200
- Infants under 9 months of age (under 6 months absolutely contraindicated)
- Thymus disorder (thymoma, myasthenia gravis) or history of thymectomy
- Pregnancy (defer unless travel to high-risk area is unavoidable)
- Adults aged 60 years and older receiving their first dose (increased risk of serious adverse events; risk-benefit assessment required)
- Breastfeeding infants under 6 months (risk of vaccine-associated neurotropic disease)
Special Populations
Pregnancy
Generally contraindicated during pregnancy (live vaccine). Can be given if travel to a high-risk area is unavoidable and the risk of disease outweighs the risk of vaccination. A medical waiver letter may be issued for pregnant travellers who cannot be vaccinated.
Children
Licensed from 9 months of age. Infants aged 6-8 months may receive the vaccine in exceptional circumstances (travel to high-risk outbreak areas). Absolutely contraindicated under 6 months of age due to risk of vaccine-associated encephalitis.
Immunocompromised Travellers
Contraindicated in immunocompromised individuals (live vaccine). This includes HIV with CD4 <200, active immunosuppressive therapy, primary immunodeficiency, and thymus disorders. A medical waiver letter can be provided for entry requirements. HIV-positive individuals with CD4 200-499 may be vaccinated after specialist consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries require yellow fever vaccination?
Several countries in Africa and South America require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Key countries include Brazil, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, and Colombia. Some countries require it only if arriving from another endemic country (e.g., South Africa, India). Check current country-specific requirements before travel.
Where can I get the yellow fever vaccine in Australia?
Yellow fever vaccine can only be administered at approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres. These include travel medicine clinics, some GPs, and hospital travel clinics with specific accreditation. Your GP may not be an approved centre. You can find your nearest centre through the Department of Health or by searching online.
How much does the yellow fever vaccine cost?
Yellow fever vaccination costs $150-$250, which typically includes the vaccine, administration, and the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (the 'yellow card'). This is not covered by Medicare.
How long does yellow fever vaccination last?
A single dose provides lifelong protection for most people. Since 2016, the International Certificate of Vaccination has been valid for the life of the vaccinated person (previously it was valid for only 10 years). Boosters are generally not required.
Can I get yellow fever vaccine if I am allergic to eggs?
Yellow fever vaccine is grown in chicken embryos and contains egg protein. Severe egg allergy (anaphylaxis) is a contraindication. People with mild egg allergy (e.g., only hives) may be able to receive the vaccine under medical supervision with appropriate observation. Discuss with your vaccination provider.
What is the International Certificate of Vaccination?
The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly called the 'yellow card' or 'yellow book', is an official WHO document proving you have received yellow fever vaccination. Some countries require this for entry. It must be stamped by an approved vaccination centre and is valid for life.
Is the yellow fever vaccine safe for people over 60?
The risk of serious adverse events (YEL-AVD and YEL-AND) is higher in adults aged 60 and older receiving their first dose. A careful risk-benefit assessment is required. If you have never been vaccinated and are over 60, your doctor will weigh the risk of disease in your destination against the risk of serious side effects.
What if I cannot receive the yellow fever vaccine?
If you have a genuine contraindication (e.g., immunosuppression, severe egg allergy, pregnancy, thymus disorder), your approved vaccination centre can issue a medical waiver letter. This is presented to border authorities in lieu of vaccination. Some countries may still deny entry or impose quarantine despite a waiver.
Sources & References
Last updated: April 2026