How do I get a yellow fever vaccine certificate in Arizona?

Away Clinic, located in Chandler and Mesa, Arizona, provides yellow fever vaccines and yellow fever certificates necessary for entry into many countries in Africa. 

A yellow fever vaccine certificate, also known as an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), is proof that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever. The certificate is valid for 10 years from the date of vaccination, and is required for entry into certain countries where yellow fever is present.

To get a yellow fever vaccine certificate, you will need to visit a travel clinic that is authorized to administer the yellow fever vaccine. You will need to show proof of vaccination and get the certificate filled in by the provider. The certificate is filled with the name, date of birth and passport number of the vaccine holder along with the date of vaccination.

Before you get vaccinated, it's important to check the entry requirements of the country you plan to visit, as well as recommendations of the health authorities of your country. Some countries may require the certificate only for travelers coming from certain countries, or for travelers who have passed through certain areas.

It's also important to plan ahead and contact a healthcare provider well in advance of your planned travel, as the vaccine may not be readily available in all locations, and it may take a few days for the certificate to be issued.

It's important to keep the certificate with you during your travel and to present it if asked by a health or immigration official. In case you lose the certificate, a replacement can be obtained from the health department of the country where the vaccine was given.

It's important to note that having the certificate does not guarantee that you will not contract the yellow fever virus, and it's still important to take precautions such as avoiding mosquito bites, and to be informed of the disease transmission patterns and the risk of exposure where you will be traveling to.

What is yellow fever?

Yellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, specifically the Aedes and Haemogogus mosquitoes. The virus is called yellow fever virus, and it is found primarily in tropical regions of Africa and South America.

Symptoms of yellow fever typically appear within 3 to 6 days after infection and can include:

• fever
• headache
• muscle pain
• backache
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• fatigue
• weakness
• dizziness
• abdominal pain

In most cases, symptoms of yellow fever are mild, and people recover on their own within a few days. But in about 15% of cases, the disease can progress to a more toxic phase, characterized by:

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• kidney failure
• bleeding from the nose, mouth, eyes or stomach
• liver damage
• multi-organ failure

This more severe form of yellow fever can be fatal, and has a high death rate.

The yellow fever virus can be diagnosed by blood tests, but currently there is no specific treatment for the disease beyond supportive care such as rehydration, pain relief and treatment for any complications that may arise.

The best way to prevent yellow fever is through vaccination and by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites such as wearing protective clothing and using mosquito repellent. A safe and effective yellow fever vaccine is available, and it is recommended for people traveling to areas where the disease is common.

It's important to note that Yellow fever vaccination is considered as one of the World Health Organization International Health Regulations (IHR)’s recommended vaccinations for travelers. And for certain countries an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) (Yellow Fever Vaccination Card) is required for entry.

The yellow fever vaccine may be obtained at any travel clinic.