Yellow Fever Certificates Valid for Life

11 Jul 2016

As of today, 11 July 2016, the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) for yellow fever is valid for the duration of the life of the person vaccinated. This follows the declaration from WHO in May 2013, that the protection from yellow fever vaccination is considered to be lifelong for immunocompetent individuals.

In brief, the WHO has advised that:

• The period of validity of the ICVP for yellow fever is for the duration of the life of the person vaccinated; this applies to all ICVP for yellow fever vaccinations, including certificates already issued, and new or duplicate certificates.
• A valid ICVP, presented by arriving travellers, should not be rejected on the grounds that more than ten years have passed since the date the vaccination became effective as stated on the certificate, and that boosters or revaccination cannot be required. WHO has produced information regarding the amendment to the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) which come into force today.

For further information, including how to fill out an ICVP for yellow fever vaccination please refer to:

The WHO Amendment to International Health Regulations (2005), Annex 7 (yellow fever)