What Is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is a viral infection spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is found in parts of Africa and South America and can range from a mild flu-like illness to a severe disease affecting the liver, kidneys, and other organs.
Why Yellow Fever Prevention Matters
Yellow fever does not occur naturally in Canada, but travellers visiting certain regions of Africa and South America may be at risk of infection. The level of risk depends on your destination, length of stay, planned activities, the time of year, and the likelihood of mosquito exposure.
Most people infected with yellow fever develop either no symptoms or only a mild illness. However, a small number develop severe disease, which can lead to liver failure, bleeding, shock, multiple organ failure, or death. There is no specific treatment once infection occurs, making prevention the most effective way to protect yourself.
Protection against yellow fever relies on both mosquito bite prevention and vaccination when recommended. Wearing long sleeves and pants, using an effective insect repellent, and staying in accommodations with screened windows or air conditioning can all help reduce mosquito bites. For travellers at risk of exposure, yellow fever vaccination provides excellent protection and, for most people, a single dose offers long-lasting immunity.
In addition to protecting your health, yellow fever vaccination may also be required for entry into certain countries. Some destinations require proof of vaccination for all arriving travellers, while others only require it if you are arriving from or have recently travelled through a country where yellow fever is present. Carrying a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), sometimes called the “Yellow Card,” may therefore be an important part of your travel documentation.
Not everyone should receive the yellow fever vaccine. It is a live vaccine, which means it uses a weakened form of the virus to help your body build protection. As a result, it may not be suitable for certain individuals, including some people with weakened immune systems, infants, or those with specific medical conditions. A travel consultation provides an opportunity to carefully review your medical history, destination, and vaccination history to determine whether vaccination is appropriate or whether an alternative approach should be considered.
How Our Pharmacists Can Help
Wellness Point Pharmacy is a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, providing eligible travellers with access to yellow fever vaccination and the required International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly known as the “Yellow Card.” During your travel consultation, our pharmacist will assess whether yellow fever vaccination is recommended or required for your trip and answer any questions you may have.
If vaccination is not appropriate for you, we will discuss your options, including issuing a Certificate of Medical Contraindication to Vaccination when appropriate or coordinating any additional care or referral that may be needed. We will also provide practical advice on mosquito bite prevention to help reduce your risk while travelling.
You do not need a referral or separate doctor’s appointment before seeing us. We’ll guide you through the process and help ensure you have the documentation and protection you need before you travel.
Book Your Travel Consultation Today
If you are travelling to a destination where yellow fever may be a concern or proof of vaccination is required, planning ahead helps ensure you receive the advice, documentation, and protection appropriate for your trip.
Contact Wellness Point Pharmacy to book your travel health appointment online or by phone, or visit us in person to arrange an appointment with one of our pharmacists. Our pharmacist will help you protect yourself against yellow fever and ensure you meet your destination’s vaccination requirements.
