What is the yellow fever vaccine?
Yellow fever is a serious viral infection spread by mosquitoes in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America. The yellow fever vaccine gives strong, long-lasting protection, and for many destinations proof of vaccination is also a legal entry requirement. Because it is a live vaccine and is tied to an official international certificate, it can only be given at a registered yellow fever vaccination centre — and Belgrave PharmHealth in Highfield is one, serving Sheffield and the surrounding region. At your appointment we carry out a travel risk assessment to confirm whether you need the vaccine for your trip, check that it’s safe for you, administer it, and issue your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). If the vaccine isn’t suitable for you on medical grounds, we can issue an exemption letter where appropriate. With same-day appointments and free parking, getting protected is simple.
The ICVP certificate
The yellow fever certificate (ICVP) is recognised at international borders and is now valid for life for most travellers, following a change by the World Health Organization. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination, so timing matters — don’t leave it to the last minute. We issue your certificate at the appointment so you travel with the documentation you need.
Do you need it for your destination?
Not every trip requires yellow fever vaccination. Risk and entry requirements vary by country and region, and some countries require proof only if you’re arriving from a risk area. Our travel risk assessment, based on NaTHNaC and NHS Fit for Travel guidance, will tell you exactly what you need for your itinerary — and we’ll arrange any other recommended vaccines or antimalarials at the same time.
Is it suitable for you?
Most healthy adults can have the yellow fever vaccine. As a live vaccine, it isn’t suitable for everyone — including some people with weakened immune systems, certain egg allergies, infants under a certain age, or during pregnancy. Our pharmacist assesses your suitability carefully and discusses the best approach for you. Where vaccination isn’t advisable, a medical letter of exemption can sometimes be provided for border purposes.
When to book
Have the vaccine at least 10 days before travel, and ideally book two to three weeks ahead so there’s time for the certificate to become valid and for any other vaccines to take effect. For complex itineraries, our full Sheffield travel clinic can arrange everything in one visit.