Yellow fever vaccine

The yellow fever vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine used to prevent yellow fever. It is given as an injection into the skin or muscle of the upper arm. The vaccine is recommended for travelers over 9 months of age going to or living in areas at risk for yellow fever virus transmission in Africa and South America. The vaccine is safe and effective and provides protection for at least 10 years. It is recommended that people who receive the vaccine receive a booster dose every 10 years if they remain at risk for yellow fever virus exposure.

Here's the deal on the yellow fever vaccine:

• Purpose: It protects against yellow fever, a serious viral illness found in parts of Africa and South America.
• Type: It's a live-attenuated vaccine, meaning it uses a weakened form of the yellow fever virus to stimulate your body's immune response.
• Effectiveness: A single dose is highly effective. Most people develop immunity within 10 days, with nearly everyone protected within a month. This immunity appears to be lifelong for most individuals.
• Recommendation: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the vaccine for travelers aged 9 months or older visiting or living in areas with yellow fever risk. Some countries may even require it for entry. You can check specific requirements on the CDC's Travelers' Health page.
• Safety: The yellow fever vaccine is considered safe, with a long history of use (over 80 years). Serious side effects are rare.