Individuals who receive the yellow fever vaccine are provided with an International Certificate of Vaccination as proof that they have been vaccinated against yellow fever. Some countries require all arriving travellers to show proof of yellow fever vaccination, while other countries require some travellers arriving or in transit from countries where yellow fever occurs to show proof of vaccination. In order for the International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever to be considered valid, it must indicate that the individual was vaccinated at least 10 days prior to the date of entry to the country that requires proof of vaccination. As mentioned above, it takes 10 days for the vaccine to become protective. Countries requiring the International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever are listed in the tables below.
Vaccination is the single most important measure for preventing yellow fever.
Mosquito-control precautions will decrease the risk of exposure to the yellow fever virus. Vaccination Health Canada strongly recommends travellers obtain an individual risk assessment with a travel medicine physician to determine both their risk of exposure to yellow fever and their need for official proof of vaccination as determined by their travel itinerary. The use of insect repellent on exposed skin is strongly recommended. Although the concentration of DEET varies from product to product, repellency rates are largely equivalent. If a reaction to insect repellent is suspected, wash treated skin and seek medical attention.