How much does the yellow fever vaccine cost?
How much does the yellow fever vaccine cost?
$220 – $250 average cost
Yellow fever vaccine cost
The yellow fever vaccine costs $220 to $250 on average, depending on your location and provider. Yellow fever is a serious and sometimes deadly disease transmitted by mosquitoes in Africa and South America. The vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself against the disease, and several countries require proof of vaccination from inbound travelers.
| National Average Cost | $235 |
| Minimum Cost | $170 |
| Maximum Cost | $350 |
| Average Range | $220 to $250 |
*Including the vaccine and administration or injection fee
What is yellow fever?
Yellow fever is a serious acute viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the yellow fever virus, which is transmitted by the bites of infected mosquitoes. The virus is found primarily in parts of Africa and South America. The "yellow" in its name refers to the jaundice some patients experience.
Yellow fever symptoms
Many people who get infected with the yellow fever virus experience only mild symptoms or don't get sick. For people who do get sick, the most common symptoms are fever, chills, muscle aches, backache, headache, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
However, some patients develop more serious symptoms like jaundice, bleeding, and organ failure. The disease is fatal for about half the patients who reach this stage.
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against yellow fever.
Which countries require the yellow fever vaccine?
Twenty countries require travelers from the U.S. to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the vaccine for travelers heading to other countries where there is a risk of yellow fever—like Kenya, Peru, and Colombia—even though those countries don't require it for entry.
The table below shows the countries that require proof of yellow fever vaccination from U.S. travelers and the additional countries for which the CDC recommends the vaccine.
| Country | Proof of yellow fever vaccine required | CDC recommends yellow fever vaccine |
|---|---|---|
| AFRICA | ||
| Angola | Yes | Yes |
| Benin | Yes | Yes |
| Burkina Faso | Yes | Yes |
| Burundi | Yes | Yes |
| Cameroon | Yes | Yes |
| Central African Republic | Yes | Yes |
| Chad | Yes | |
| Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville) | Yes | Yes |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Yes | Yes |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | Yes | Yes |
| Equatorial Guinea | Yes | |
| Ethiopia | Yes | |
| Gabon | Yes | Yes |
| The Gambia | Yes | |
| Ghana | Yes | Yes |
| Guinea | Yes | Yes |
| Guinea-Bissau | Yes | Yes |
| Kenya | Yes | |
| Liberia | Yes | |
| Mali | Yes | Yes |
| Mauritania | Yes | |
| Niger | Yes | Yes |
| Nigeria | Yes | |
| Senegal | Yes | |
| Sierra Leone | Yes | Yes |
| South Sudan | Yes | Yes |
| Sudan | Yes | |
| Togo | Yes | Yes |
| Uganda | Yes | Yes |
| SOUTH AMERICA | ||
| Argentina | Yes | |
| Bolivia | Yes | |
| Brazil | Yes | |
| Colombia | Yes | |
| Ecuador | Yes | |
| French Guiana | Yes | Yes |
| Guyana | Yes | |
| Panama | Yes | |
| Paraguay | Yes | |
| Peru | Yes | |
| Suriname | Yes | |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Yes | |
| Venezuela | Yes | |
FAQs about the yellow fever vaccine
How long does the yellow fever vaccine last?
One dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong protection for most people. However, people who travel frequently to areas with ongoing outbreaks may need a booster if it has been 10 years or more since their last vaccination.
How long before travel should you get the yellow fever vaccine?
You must get the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before traveling for your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP)—sometimes called the "yellow card"—to be valid.
Is yellow fever a live vaccine?
Yes, the yellow fever vaccine is a live but weakened form of the virus.
Does the yellow fever vaccine hurt?
The yellow fever vaccine is administered via an injection, which is typically painless. Common side effects are usually mild and may include:
Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
Slight fever
Headache
Joint or muscle pain
Does insurance cover yellow fever vaccine?
Most insurance providers do not cover travel vaccines like the yellow fever vaccine. However, coverage varies by provider and plan. Check your plan for specific details.
What is the max age for the yellow fever vaccine?
There is no maximum age for the yellow fever vaccine. However, the CDC recommends that individuals 60 years or older have a health risk assessment before receiving the vaccine because they have a higher risk of experiencing adverse effects.
Can a pregnant woman get the yellow fever vaccine?
The yellow fever vaccine is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women unless travel to a country experiencing outbreaks is unavoidable and the woman's healthcare provider determines that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Many pregnant women have received the yellow fever vaccine without any adverse effects, but the vaccine can pose a risk because it is a live virus.
Where to get the yellow fever vaccine
You can get the yellow fever vaccine at:
Department of Health offices
Some pharmacies like Walgreens, Costco, and Safeway
Travel immunization centers like Passport Health
Some healthcare providers' offices
Some university campus health clinics
Use the CDC's search feature to find yellow fever vaccination locations near you.
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