What is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a virus transmitted by a bite from an infected mosquito, specifically Aedes and Haemagogus species. The disease gets its name from the yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) that occurs when the virus attacks the liver.
90% of yellow fever cases occur in Africa and 10% in the Americas. It is endemic in African countries around the equator and in tropical areas of South America, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Several Caribbean islands are also at low risk.
Yellow fever can be prevented by a single-dose vaccine along with protective measures to prevent mosquito bites. The vaccine provides immunity for 10 years or more. It is recommended to get the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before travelling to allow for immunity to develop however travelers are recommended to consult with a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before travel.
For entry into certain countries, proof of immunization against yellow fever (International Certificate of Vaccination) is required by law.
It is recommended that you get the yellow fever vaccine before you travel to an area where there is a risk of yellow fever.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centers
The following Rexall locations are Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres designated by the Public Health Agency of Canada and can issue a International Certificate of Vaccination, also referred to as the “yellow card”.
Alberta
Wye & Ash, Sherwood Park
301 Wye Road, Suite 11
Sherwood Park, AB T8B 0A4
Store #7234
Phone Number:
Ellerslie & Parsons
9404 Ellerslie Rd
SW Edmonton, AB T6X 0K6
Store #7232
Phone Number:
Strathcona Calgary
555 Strathcona Blvd. SW., #148
Calgary, AB T3H 2Z9
Store #7287
Phone Number:
Ontario
Duckworth Street Barrie
353 Duckworth Street
Barrie, ON L4M 3X8
Store #1370
Phone Number:
Brightwater
2-175 Lakeshore Road West
Mississauga, ON L5H 0A6
Store #8223
Phone Number:
Stone Church/Upper Ottawa Hamilton
1395 Upper Ottawa Street
Hamilton, ON L8W 3L5
Store #204
Phone Number:
Second Ln & Wellington
13 Second Line West
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6C 2J1
Store #6967
Phone Number:
Promenade Thornhill
1 Promenade Circle, #183
Thornhill, ON L4J 4P8
Store #117
Phone Number:
Cloveridge Mall Ajax
955 Westney Road South, Unit #7
Ajax, ON L1S 3K7
Store #2246
Phone Number:
British Columbia
Village Sq Whistler
201-4204 Village Square
Whistler, BC V8E 1H5
Store #7116
Phone Number:
FAQ
Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, joint pain, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, and dehydration. In about 15% of patients, it can lead to severe illness, including shock, internal bleeding, jaundice, and organ failure.
Yes, the yellow fever vaccine is safe for most people.
Yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for certain individuals, such as those with severe allergies to any component of the vaccine, infants younger than 6 months, and individuals with compromised immune systems (e.g. HIV infection with immunosuppression).
Yellow fever vaccination is cautioned for ages 6-8 months, age ≥60 years, asymptomatic HIV infection with moderate immunosuppression, and pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Please bring your travel itinerary, any previous vaccination records, and a valid ID. This information helps our pharmacists provide the best care and ensure you receive the appropriate vaccinations
Common side effects include mild headache, muscle pain, and low-grade fever. Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions.
It is recommended to get the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before traveling to allow for immunity to develop. However, travelers are recommended to consult with a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before travel.