If you’re looking for a yellow fever vaccination Colchester has its own travel clinic at Dedham’s Pharmacy. Dedham Pharmacy’s travel clinic offers a wide range of vaccinations including yellow fever. So, what is yellow fever and who should be vaccinated against it?
What is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is a serious viral disease that is common in humid and tropical countries.
The symptoms of the disease can be similar to flu with a high fever and aches in the muscles and joints. The skin and eyes of people suffering from yellow fever will also become jaundiced and yellow in colour, giving this disease its name.
Mosquito bites spread yellow fever. The mosquitos become infected with the yellow fever virus after biting an infected human or monkey. They then pass the virus onto whoever they bite.
Yellow fever epidemics can occur in dense populations with low vaccination rates. However, it cannot be spread from person to person.
Yellow fever can be deadly but luckily there is a very effective vaccination available.
Who should have the yellow fever vaccine?
If you are planning to travel to a tropical or sub-tropical country, you may need to be vaccinated against yellow fever. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America and also the Caribbean are most likely to be in the yellow fever zone. You can find out more about which countries have yellow fever vaccination requirements at the Travel Health Pro website.
Most people can safely receive the yellow fever vaccination. However, there are some exceptions:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Babies under 9 months
- People over 60 years of age
- People with weakened immune systems such as those currently undergoing chemotherapy
- Anyone who is allergic to the vaccine ingredients including people with an egg allergy
- People with thymus gland conditions
It may be possible to obtain a certificate of exemption for some of the above conditions. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women or people with babies under 9 months are advised to delay their trips until a vaccination can be given.
In order to travel to some countries, a yellow fever vaccination may be mandatory. If you are unsure if you require a yellow fever vaccination, please contact the Dedham Pharmacy Travel Clinic for advice.
It is important to take steps to prevent mosquito bites even if you have been vaccinated against yellow fever. This is because mosquitos can carry other diseases.
How can I book a yellow fever vaccination at Dedham Pharmacy?
You can book an appointment online via our travel vaccination booking service. We also offer walk-in appointments.
It’s important to note that you will need to receive your yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before you travel. So, please take this into account when booking your appointment.
What can I expect from my yellow fever vaccination appointment?
The service will be provided in a private consultation room. Our specially trained staff will talk you through the procedure including the possible side effects. All vaccinations carry risks but generally, these side effects are no worse than having a headache or fever for a couple of days.
The yellow fever vaccination is as one injection into the upper arm. The yellow fever vaccination is a single-dose vaccine meaning it does not require a course of injections or follow-up appointments to be effective. The vaccination area may remain tender for a couple of days after receiving the dose.
Yellow fever vaccinations give lifelong protection. However, some people may occasionally require booster doses of the vaccine. Once you have received the yellow fever vaccine, you will be issued with a vaccination certificate.
How do I get a yellow fever vaccination certificate?
Vaccination certificates are only available at a yellow fever vaccination centre, such as Dedham Pharmacy. The pharmacist issues the vaccination certificate after they give you the yellow fever vaccine.
The certificate will be valid from 10 days after your vaccination. This is to ensure that the vaccine has had time to become effective before you travel.
Your travel clinic for Yellow Fever Vaccination Colchester, Langham and Boxted
Dedham Pharmacy’s travel clinic in Colchester offers a range of travel services to Colchester and the local area, including Langham and Boxted. If you are planning a trip to a country in the yellow fever zone, it is likely that you will also need medicine to stop you from getting malaria. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to provide you with these drugs at your yellow fever vaccination appointment.
Getting the correct travel vaccinations is very important for protecting yourself and your loved ones. So, if you have any doubt about which vaccinations you need please speak to one of our consultants about the yellow fever vaccination.
Colchester and the areas of Langham and Boxted are proudly served by Dedham Pharmacy – the heart of a healthy community.
This post was written on behalf of Dedham Pharmacy by Nicola of Pharmacy Mentor.
