Who should get a Yellow fever vaccine?

Routine vaccination is recommended for everyone older than 9 months. In an epidemic, when a mass vaccination campaign is underway, the vaccine is given to everyone over the age of 6 months. World Health Organisation recommends vaccination for all travellers visiting areas where there is risk of Yellow fever.

Generally, people who may not be vaccinated include:

• infants aged less than 9 months; • pregnant women - except during a yellow fever outbreak when the risk of infection is high;

• people with severe allergies to egg protein; and

• people with severe immunodeficiency due to symptomatic HIV/AIDS or other causes, or who have a thymus disorder.

When should you get a Yellow fever vaccine?

Typically, Yellow fever vaccine is among the antigens administered during routine immunisation in Nigeria. It is administered to children older than 9 months, so a child should typically get their vaccine by age one, and get a certificate to show immunisation is complete. Beyond the age of one, Yellow fever vaccine can be administered.

Where can you get a Yellow fever vaccine?

Yellow fever vaccine is available as part of routine immunisation in both public and private health facilities, where it is administered to children. Some adults can also get the vaccine at port services at the point where they need a certification to show they are vaccinated against Yellow fever before embarking on international travel.

How much does the vaccine cost?

Routine immunisation is free, so you should not be charged for getting a Yellow fever vaccine for your child-whether in public or private hospitals. A task force on immunisation insists you can report any hospital charging you a fee for a vaccine that is included in routine immunisation.