Yellow Fever Vaccine Shortage
20 Sep 2013
There is currently a worldwide shortage of yellow fever vaccine which is affecting the whole of the UK. Stamaril (Sanofi Pasteur MSD) is the only licensed yellow fever vaccine available in the UK and Sanofi is experiencing an ongoing delay in the manufacturing process. Interruption to the supply of vaccine is expected to continue until January 2014.
Yellow Fever is currently the only disease for which an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) may be required from travellers looking to gain entry into a defined number of countries. Vaccine can only be administered at special yellow fever vaccination centres (YFVCs) designated to provide this service.
The current shortage has implications for those travellers requiring vaccine in the coming months. Availability of yellow fever vaccine will vary from centre to centre and travellers may need to be referred to, or to seek out, alternate centres in order to be vaccinated.
Advice for Travellers
Present to your GP, Practice Nurse or travel health provider as far in advance of travel as possible, preferably 6-8 weeks. They will advise whether you may need yellow fever vaccination, and/or refer you to a YFVC if they are not registered to administer the vaccine themselves.
If you need to look for a YFVC:
In Scotland, go to HPS website.
In England, N.Ireland and Wales go to NaTHNaC.
For further information look at the Yellow Fever page .