From 9 months for travel to risk areas in Africa and South America. Extra care over 60. A live vaccine, so not given in pregnancy. Private only, at registered centres.
Last reviewed 12 September 2026UK Green Book ch. 35Live vaccine
Who can have it
Eligibility by age, on the NHS and privately
Yellow fever is a serious mosquito-borne infection, and many countries require an International Certificate of Vaccination for entry. A single dose now gives lifelong protection and a certificate valid for life. It is only available at registered yellow fever vaccination centres.
Check what applies to you
Pick your age range and gender to see only the criteria for your group. Nothing you select is saved or sent anywhere.
Age
Privately (pharmacy or clinic)
On the NHS
Under 2 years
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
From 9 months. Never under 6 months; 6 to 9 months only in exceptional risk
On the NHSNot offered
Not available on the NHS at any age.
2 to 17 years
Privately✓Available
Single dose, certificate valid for life
On the NHSNot offered
Not available on the NHS.
18 to 49 years
Privately✓Available
Single dose, certificate valid for life
On the NHSNot offered
Not available on the NHS.
50 to 64 years
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
Yes up to 59. From 60, only after an individual risk assessment
On the NHSNot offered
Not available on the NHS.
65 and over
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
Only after an individual risk assessment: serious side effects are more common over 60. A medical exemption certificate may be issued instead
On the NHSNot offered
Not available on the NHS.
Recommended for
Travellers to countries where yellow fever is present (parts of Africa and Central and South America)
Anyone who needs a certificate for entry to a country, including transit through a risk area
Who should not have it
Babies under 9 months
Pregnancy and, in most cases, breastfeeding a baby under 9 months
A weakened immune system, including HIV with a low CD4 count, chemotherapy or immunosuppressant medicines
Any disorder of the thymus gland, or a previous thymectomy
A serious allergy to eggs or a previous yellow fever vaccine
Age 60 and over without a risk assessment; a first dose over 60 carries a higher risk of serious reactions
Always tell the clinician about allergies, medicines, health conditions and recent vaccines. They will confirm the vaccine is right for you before giving it.
About the vaccine
What it protects against, how long it lasts and side effects
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Protects against
Mosquito-borne viral haemorrhagic fever endemic to tropical Africa and South America.
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When to have it
At least 10 days before travel (certificate is only valid from day 10)
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How long it lasts
Lifelong - single dose is sufficient
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Doses
Single dose
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Side effects
Sore arm, mild headache, muscle aches, or low-grade fever for 1–5 days. Very rarely (1 in 250,000): serious viscerotropic or neurotropic disease — risk increases with age.
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Good to know
Only available at registered Yellow Fever Centres. You will receive an official vaccination certificate.
Common questions
Yellow fever vaccine: your questions answered
How long is the yellow fever certificate valid?
For life. Since 2016 the World Health Organization no longer requires a booster every 10 years, and countries must accept a certificate from a single dose for the lifetime of the traveller. A second dose is still advised for a few groups, such as people first vaccinated under age 2, during pregnancy, or while immunosuppressed.
Can I have the yellow fever vaccine if I am over 60?
Sometimes. First doses over 60 carry a higher risk of rare but serious side effects, so a clinician will weigh the risk of the disease at your destination against the risk of the vaccine. If vaccination is not advised, they can issue a medical exemption certificate.
Where can I get the yellow fever vaccine?
Only at registered yellow fever vaccination centres, which include many travel clinics and pharmacies. VaxiGo shows which providers are registered centres.
How long before travel do I need the vaccine?
At least 10 days. The certificate only becomes valid 10 days after vaccination, and border officials will check the date.
What are the side effects?
A sore arm, mild headache, muscle aches or a low fever in the first week. Very rarely, a serious reaction affecting the liver or nervous system, which is why the vaccine is only given where there is a genuine risk of the disease.
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GPhC-registered pharmacies and travel clinics. The clinician confirms suitability at your appointment.
General information only. This page sets out the published UK eligibility criteria so you can see which apply to you. It is not medical advice and VaxiGo does not assess your suitability for any vaccine. The clinician at your appointment makes that decision with you.