The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for travelers aged 9 months or older going to areas at risk in Africa or South America, according to the CDC, and some countries require proof of vaccination at entry. It is given only at authorized yellow fever vaccination centers, at least 10 days before departure; one dose is generally enough for life. Yellow fever affects several South American countries: our Latin America travel page helps you spot the destinations concerned.
Beyond yellow fever, the vaccines to consider depend on the destination, the length and conditions of the stay and your health. This page summarizes information published by the CDC, the NHS, the Institut Pasteur and France’s Vaccination Info Service; it does not replace a consultation with a doctor or travel clinic, ideally several weeks before departure. For stomach upsets, our guide to traveler’s diarrhea: prevention and treatment complements this advice.
Travel vaccines: the essentials
- Yellow fever: authorized centers only, at least 10 days before departure, international certificate (« yellow card »).
- Yellow fever certificate: valid for life since 11 July 2016 (Vaccination Info Service).
- Make sure routine vaccines are up to date first (diphtheria, tetanus, polio, pertussis, measles).
- See a doctor or travel clinic several weeks before departure: some vaccines need several doses.
- Ask what your health plan or insurer covers; travel vaccines are often not covered, and prices vary by clinic.
The yellow fever vaccine
Who should be vaccinated?
- Recommended by the CDC for people 9 months or older traveling to or living in areas at risk for yellow fever in Africa or South America (CDC, page reviewed October 26, 2026).
- Required for adults and children over 12 months who travel to or live in French Guiana (Vaccination Info Service, consulted 14 October 2026).
- Some countries require the certificate at entry, particularly if you arrive from a country at risk: the CDC notes that proof of vaccination or a waiver is often required for US travelers to endemic areas. Check the entry requirements of your destination on travel.state.gov (US citizens) or in the GOV.UK foreign travel advice (UK citizens).
Where and when to get vaccinated
Only at an authorized yellow fever vaccination center. In the US, the CDC links to a yellow fever vaccination clinic search tool; in the UK, the NHS says you can only get the vaccine from registered yellow fever vaccination centres, which you can find through the NaTHNaC search tool, and that you have to pay for it (NHS, page reviewed 25 July 2023, checked 12 November 2026). Have the injection at least 10 days before departure: the international certificate is valid from the 10th day after the first dose (Vaccination Info Service). Because the vaccine is mandatory for French Guiana, time the injection around the best time to go to French Guiana so that you respect the 10-day delay.
One dose for life?
In the general case, yes: the CDC says a single dose usually provides long-lasting protection and a booster is typically not needed, although travelers to areas with ongoing outbreaks may consider a booster if it has been 10 or more years since their last vaccination. French sources add that a second dose is recommended in some situations before leaving for an area at risk: vaccination between 9 and 24 months, vaccination during pregnancy, people living with HIV or immunocompromised, or vaccination more than 10 years ago when the virus is actively circulating. This second dose is not needed for the administrative validity of the certificate.
Contraindications
It is a live attenuated vaccine. The CDC says people should not get it if they are allergic to the vaccine or its components (such as eggs), are 6 months old or younger, are organ transplant recipients, have been diagnosed with a malignant tumor, have a thymus disorder linked to abnormal immune function, have a primary immunodeficiency, use immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapies, or show symptoms of HIV infection or have low CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts. Ages 6 to 8 months, age 60 and older, pregnancy and breastfeeding call for precautions: people in these groups may still benefit from vaccination. The clinic doctor assesses each case.
Price and coverage
The fee (vaccine and consultation) is set by each clinic: check its price list. Travel vaccines are often not covered by health plans (the NHS, for example, says you have to pay for the yellow fever vaccine for travel), so ask your insurer or plan before you book.
Other travel vaccines
The Institut Pasteur medical center lists the following vaccines for travelers; whether you need one depends on your destination and your plans.
| Vaccine | For which trips? | Timing indicated before departure |
|---|---|---|
| Diphtheria, tetanus, polio, pertussis | All travelers (update) | Depending on your last booster |
| Measles, mumps, rubella | People who are not immune | Depending on the schedule |
| Hepatitis A | Stays in countries with poor hygiene | At least 15 days; booster 6 to 12 months later |
| Hepatitis B | Long or high-risk stays | Depending on the schedule |
| Typhoid | Long or difficult stays, especially South Asia and Africa | At the latest 15 days; valid 3 years |
| Meningococcal ACWY | African meningitis belt, Hajj pilgrimage | 10 days; valid 5 years |
| Japanese encephalitis | Southeast Asia, China, Indian subcontinent | 2 injections 28 days apart (accelerated schedule possible) |
| Rabies | Long or high-risk stays in Asia, Africa, South America | 2 injections on day 0 and day 7 |
| Tick-borne encephalitis | Rural stays in central and northern Europe, spring to autumn | 3 doses (accelerated schedule possible) |
| Dengue | Tropical areas, from age 6 | 2 doses at least 3 months apart |
| Chikungunya | Tropical areas, from age 12, case by case | At least 14 days |
When and where to get advice
- Book an appointment at a travel clinic or with your doctor several weeks before departure: several vaccines must be given at least 10 to 15 days ahead, and some require several doses spaced apart.
- Bring your vaccination record and a list of your medications.
- Take the opportunity to discuss malaria (preventive treatment depends on the area), mosquito protection and your first-aid kit.
- By destination: our guides to Tanzania, Kenya or Senegal for Africa, Peru or Brazil for South America, and India or Vietnam for Asia, each with a health and entry requirements section.
Frequently asked questions
Is the yellow fever vaccine mandatory?
It is required for French Guiana (from 12 months) and by some countries at entry. The CDC recommends it for people 9 months or older going to at-risk areas of Africa and South America. Check your destination’s entry requirements on travel.state.gov or GOV.UK.
How long before departure should you get the yellow fever vaccine?
At least 10 days before: the international certificate becomes valid on the 10th day after the first dose.
Does the yellow fever certificate expire?
No: its administrative validity has been for life since 11 July 2016.
Where can you get the yellow fever vaccine?
Only at authorized yellow fever vaccination centers: use the CDC clinic search in the US, or the NaTHNaC search tool for registered centres in the UK.
Is the yellow fever vaccine covered by insurance?
It depends on your plan. The NHS says you have to pay for it for travel; ask your insurer or health plan before booking.
Our sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, « Yellow Fever Vaccine » (last reviewed October 26, 2026; last updated May 14, 2024), checked 12 November 2026.
- NHS, « Yellow fever » (reviewed 25 July 2023), checked 12 November 2026.
- Vaccination Info Service (Santé publique France), « Fièvre jaune », consulted 14 October 2026.
- MesVaccins.net, « Fièvre jaune », consulted 14 October 2026.
- Institut Pasteur, « Vaccins disponibles au centre médical », consulted 14 October 2026.
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.