What happens if you don't have a yellow fever certificate?

Consequences of Arriving Without a Yellow Fever Certificate

Yellow fever is a potentially fatal disease that is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Vaccination against yellow fever is required for travel to certain countries in Africa and South America. Travelers who arrive without a valid yellow fever certificate may face serious consequences.

Mandatory Vaccination

If you arrive in a country that requires yellow fever vaccination without a valid certificate, you may be required to receive the vaccination at the airport or port of entry. This will typically involve a single injection of the yellow fever vaccine. The vaccination will provide protection against yellow fever for up to 10 years.

Lengthy Quarantine

In some cases, travelers without a yellow fever certificate may be placed in quarantine for a period of up to six days. This quarantine is intended to prevent the spread of yellow fever if you have been exposed to the virus. You will be monitored for symptoms of yellow fever during this time.

Exceptions

There are some exceptions to the yellow fever vaccination requirement. These exceptions include:

• Children under the age of one year: Infants under the age of one year are not eligible for the yellow fever vaccine.
• Pregnant women: Pregnant women should consult with their doctor to determine if the yellow fever vaccine is safe for them.
• People with certain medical conditions: Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as severe allergies or a weakened immune system, may not be able to receive the yellow fever vaccine.

Consequences of Not Getting Vaccinated

If you choose not to get vaccinated against yellow fever and you travel to a country where it is required, you may face serious consequences. These consequences could include:

• Being denied entry into the country: You may be refused entry into the country if you do not have a valid yellow fever certificate.
• Being fined or detained: You may be fined or detained if you are caught without a yellow fever certificate.
• Getting sick with yellow fever: If you are not vaccinated and you are bitten by an infected mosquito, you could get sick with yellow fever. Yellow fever can be a fatal disease.

Getting a Yellow Fever Certificate

If you are traveling to a country that requires yellow fever vaccination, it is important to get a yellow fever certificate before you go. You can get a yellow fever certificate from a travel clinic or your doctor. The certificate will typically be valid for 10 years.

Conclusion

Yellow fever is a serious disease that can be prevented with vaccination. If you are traveling to a country where yellow fever vaccination is required, it is important to get a yellow fever certificate before you go. Failure to do so could result in serious consequences.