Yellow Fevor shot and Reactions
 

Will be going on Safari to Tanzania and Kenya next July with OAT and , as you all know, YF shots are required. I have read that incidence of severe reaction in over 60 age group is a fair amount higher than in younger age groups.....like 4-5 per 100,000 vs 1-2 per 100,000 in younger group. What are most common reactions to the shot?
Any thoughts or opinions regarding this?
Read somewhere that one over 60 must first get primary doc's written approval to get the shot and then must go to a "Travel Doc" approved by CDC to get the shot.....and it could be costly. Think my Blue Cross under Medicare willl cover most of cost.

JH




Any thoughts or opinions regarding this

Many counties have, in their health department, a travel health section. And if not, they have arrangements with a nearby county.

I've found the people there to be extremely knowledgeable about everything travel, especially immunization. Contact your county's unit first for the definitive word and most often pricing which is way lower than "travel docs."

When you get the shot, you're given a "yellow card" attesting to that fact, which you'll show upon arrival. If you can't take the shot for medical reasons, a letter from the doctor "should" suffice in place of the certificate. I don't know anyone who has done that, however. I've had the shot twice with no ill effects.

I've had the yellow fever shot twice and both times my arm was extremely sore and swollen for a week, but that can be cured with pain relievers and an ice pack. No other bad effects for me.

I had the second shot at age 44.

I've had all the shots, whether specific for travel or simply to be current as some diseases are easily contracted if never leaving home. Have had Tetanus, HepA and Polio booster, sometimes all the same day... not a problem, no sore or swollen arm or fever (in fact have no idea what side-effects I would encounter, as never had any). Yellow Fever was separate and again, no issues, whether the first or next 10/yrs later.

However, some are individuals are allergic to eggs, take other meds and thus YF would be contraindicated, have suppressed immune systems or 'age.' Believe there is a waiver which can be found on the YF site, or a letter from one's physician on their letterhead will suffice as to why you can't have this jab.

Best to discuss with doc and decide what's best in your particular situation.