What the yellow fever vaccine protects you from
The yellow fever vaccine protects against yellow fever — a virus that is mainly spread by the bite of an infected 'Aedes' mosquito. These mosquitoes are not normally found in Aotearoa New Zealand. Yellow fever is almost always caught overseas.
The yellow fever vaccine provides effective immunity within 30 days for 99% of immunised people. Over 600 million doses have been dispensed worldwide since immunisation began in the 1930s.
A single dose gives life-long protection — no booster doses are needed.
Who should get the yellow fever vaccine
You should consider yellow fever immunisation if you are travelling to a country where there is a risk of catching yellow fever.
Some countries require proof of yellow fever immunisation as a condition of entry.
Where to get the yellow fever vaccine
In Aotearoa New Zealand, yellow fever vaccine is only available from authorised yellow fever vaccinators operating from designated vaccination centres.
Authorised yellow fever vaccination centres
People who cannot get the yellow fever vaccine
You usually cannot get the yellow fever vaccine if you:
- are an infant aged under 9 months
- are pregnant — except during a yellow fever outbreak when the risk of infection is high
- have a severe allergy to egg protein
- have severe immunodeficiency due to HIV or AIDS symptoms, or other causes
- have a thymus disorder.
Speak to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of the yellow fever vaccine if you are aged over 60.
Side effects
Serious side effects from the vaccine are rare, however the risk of a reaction is higher for:
- people over 60 years of age
- anyone with severe immunodeficiency due to HIV or AIDS symptoms, or other causes
- anyone with a thymus disorder.