Are you someone who travels abroad often? Or are you planning to go to a country like Africa or South America for work? Then you definitely need to know about the "Yellow Fever Vaccine". Some countries require a certificate of vaccination (we also call this a 'yellow card') to enter. So, today we will talk about everything in simple terms about the yellow fever vaccine, which is important for many people.
What is this yellow fever vaccine?
Simply put, this is a vaccine that protects us from the disease caused by the yellow fever virus. Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne disease that can be very serious at times. So, doctors recommend getting this vaccine if you are traveling to parts of the world where this disease is common (especially some countries in Africa and South America).
This is a live vaccine . That is, in this, we are given a weakened yellow fever virus that is unable to cause the disease. Our immune system then recognizes this weakened virus and makes antibodies to fight it. Then, if the real yellow fever virus ever enters our body, our immune system is ready and will destroy it.
Things to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated
This is very important. If you have any of the conditions listed below, you should definitely tell your doctor before getting the vaccine. Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether to give you the vaccine or not, or if you should be given it with special care.
| Situation you need to report | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| An infection with fever | If you currently have a fever or are suffering from an infection. |
| Cancer | If you are a cancer patient or are undergoing treatment for cancer. |
| HIV or AIDS | If you are HIV positive or have AIDS. |
| Immune system weaknesses | If your immunity is reduced due to any other reason (e.g. genetic diseases). |
| Myasthenia Gravis | A neurological condition that weakens muscles. |
| Radiation Therapy | If you are currently or recently receiving radiation treatment. |
| If the thymus gland has been removed (Thymectomy) | If the thymus gland, which is important for immunity, has been surgically removed. |
| Allergies | If you have allergies to other vaccines, eggs, medicines, foods, dyes, etc. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How is the vaccine given and to whom?
This vaccine is given as a subcutaneous injection. It is given by a trained medical professional in a hospital or clinic. You will not be allowed to take it home.
Before you get the vaccine, you will be given a Vaccine Information Statement (Vaccination Information Statement). Please read it carefully.
Do you give this to small children?
This is a problem that many parents have. This vaccine is not given to babies under 9 months of age. In some special cases, this vaccine can be given to children over 9 months of age on the recommendation of a pediatrician. But special precautions need to be followed. Therefore, if your child needs this vaccine, talk to your pediatrician about it and make a decision.
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this vaccine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this vaccine
If you are taking other medications, some of them may affect the effectiveness of this vaccine. So tell your doctor about everything you are taking.
- Drugs like chloroquine, which is used for malaria
- Immune-controlling drugs (immune globulin)
- Medications to take after organ transplants
- Anticancer drugs
- Other types of vaccines
- Some medications taken for diseases like arthritis
- Steroid-type medications (e.g. prednisone, cortisone)
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to consider after getting vaccinated
- Complete protection: Remember, like all vaccines, this vaccine may not provide 100% protection for everyone. However, it greatly reduces the risk of contracting the disease and the severity of the disease.
- 'Yellow Card': After getting vaccinated, you will receive an International Certificate of Vaccination. This is what we call the "yellow card". This certificate is valid for 10 years. Keep it safe when traveling abroad.
- Side effects: If you experience any side effects that bother you, tell your doctor immediately.
What are the possible side effects?
As with any vaccine, there are some minor side effects that can occur. However, there are also some serious, but very rare, side effects that are important to be aware of.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, increased breathing rate. |
| Nervous system problems | Seizures (fits), confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding, difficulty walking. |
| Unusual fatigue | Feeling extremely tired or weak. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but tell your doctor if they persist) | |
| Mild fever | Fever lasting one or two days. |
| Headache | Minor and moderate headaches. |
| Pain at the injection site | Redness, slight swelling, or pain at the injection site. |
I hope this article has helped you understand this vaccine better. But remember, this is just a summary. The best person to talk to about any questions or concerns you may have is your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- The yellow fever vaccine is a vaccine that protects against yellow fever virus infection, especially important for foreign travelers.
- Before getting vaccinated, be sure to tell your doctor about your complete medical history, medications you are taking, and allergies.
- This vaccine is not given to babies under 9 months of age. If given to children, it should only be given on the advice of a pediatrician.
- After getting vaccinated, you will receive a 'yellow card' (international certificate) valid for 10 years.
- If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or severe allergic reactions, seek medical advice immediately.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න