Who Needs the Yellow Fever Vaccine: High-Risk Areas 2025
If you’re planning to travel abroad in 2025, there’s one essential question you should be asking before you pack your suitcase: Do I need the yellow fever vaccine for my destination? At Mistrys Pharmacy, we offer a full range of travel health services, including yellow fever vaccination and advice for all high-risk destinations.
Knowing where to get the yellow fever vaccine and who needs it is crucial for a safe and hassle-free trip, especially when travelling to regions where yellow fever is endemic or where entry requirements include proof of vaccination.
What Is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is a serious viral infection spread by mosquitoes, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Central and South America. The virus can cause high fever, liver damage (leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes), bleeding, and in severe cases, death.
There is no specific treatment for yellow fever, but it is entirely preventable with a single-dose vaccine that provides long-lasting protection, often for life.
Who Needs the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
The yellow fever vaccine is recommended or required if:
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You are travelling to a country where yellow fever is present (endemic areas)
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You are entering a country that requires proof of vaccination, even if it isn’t endemic, but you’ve been in or passed through a risk area
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You are transiting through a country with yellow fever risk, depending on duration and travel policies
Many countries will refuse entry without an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), which we provide when you receive your vaccine at Mistrys Pharmacy.
High-Risk Areas for Yellow Fever in 2025
Below is an up-to-date list of countries and regions where yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended or required for travel in 2025. This includes both endemic regions and countries with vaccine certificate requirements.
Sub-Saharan Africa (Endemic & High Risk)
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Nigeria
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Ghana
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Cameroon
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Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Angola
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Uganda
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Sudan
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Côte d’Ivoire
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Ethiopia
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Burkina Faso
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Kenya (select regions)
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Senegal
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Sierra Leone
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Mali
Central and South America (Endemic & High Risk)
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Brazil (including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and more rural regions)
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Peru
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Colombia
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Venezuela
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Bolivia
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Ecuador (especially the Amazon Basin)
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Suriname
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French Guiana
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Panama (select jungle areas)
Countries with Entry Requirements
Some countries require yellow fever vaccination for travellers arriving from, or transiting through, endemic regions—even if they’re not high-risk themselves. These include:
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Saudi Arabia (especially for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims)
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India
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China
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South Africa
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Indonesia
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Thailand (for travellers arriving from risk areas)
Please note that travel requirements change regularly. At Mistrys Pharmacy, we always refer to the latest guidelines from NaTHNaC (the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to provide you with the most accurate advice.
Where to Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine
Not all pharmacies or clinics are authorised to provide the yellow fever vaccine. You must visit a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre to receive the vaccine and your official certificate.
We offer expert travel consultations and a wide range of additional travel vaccines, including:
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Rabies
- Cholera
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster (DTP)
If you’re searching for where to get the yellow fever vaccine, you can book an appointment directly through our website or call us for tailored advice.
When Should You Get Vaccinated?
You should receive your yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before travel, as this is how long it takes for the protection to become valid on your certificate.
However, we recommend booking your travel health consultation at least 4–6 weeks before departure, especially if you need multiple vaccines or are travelling to remote areas.
Side Effects and Suitability
Most people tolerate the yellow fever vaccine well, but like all vaccines, it may cause mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site or low-grade fever. The vaccine is not suitable for everyone, including:
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Infants under 6 months
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People with severe egg allergies
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Those with weakened immune systems
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Pregnant women (except in high-risk travel situations)
Our pharmacists will carry out a full risk assessment before vaccination and advise on any alternatives if needed.
Travel Protection from Mistrys Pharmacy
Whether you’re heading to the Amazon rainforest, a West African business trip, or a religious pilgrimage, yellow fever protection could be essential, not just for your health, but to comply with entry requirements.
At Mistrys Pharmacy, we’re proud to be your trusted destination for travel health. We offer expert advice, certified vaccinations, and all the protection you need for safe and stress-free travel.
Contact us today to book your travel consultation and protect your journey before it begins.
This blog was written on behalf of Mistrys Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
