Are you protected against yellow fever?

Update: Australia's arrival process has changed since this article was written. Travellers now declare if they have been in a yellow fever risk country in the previous 6 days, and Australia does not refuse entry to travellers who are not vaccinated. Read our 2026 yellow fever vaccine guide for the current list of risk countries and certificate rules.

by Dr Alan Leeb,  Ballajura

As we emerge from the acute Covid era and the world gets moving once again, it is a timely reminder about the diseases we may be exposed to overseas and the vaccinations that are required when travelling to certain destinations.

Yellow fever is prevalent in many areas of Africa and Central and South America. It is a serious disease that is transmitted by infected mosquitos.

So named because it causes the skin to turn yellow or jaundiced in severe cases, yellow fever is estimated to cause 30,000 deaths each year.

Symptoms of yellow fever include fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

There is no specific treatment for yellow fever; however, there is a well-established, affordable vaccine available.

The yellow fever vaccine is delivered as a single dose that will last for life. It is recommended for all travellers to a yellow fever risk country aged 9 months or older.

Some countries require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against yellow fever before they are allowed to enter. In Australia, anyone aged 1 year or older who is arriving in or returning to Australia from a declared yellow fever infected country, and who has stayed in that country overnight or longer within the previous six days, must hold an international vaccination certificate for yellow fever.

Only approved clinics in Australia are allowed to give yellow fever vaccinations and these clinics are determined by State and Territory health departments. Approved clinics will provide you with a vaccination certificate, as required by the World Health Organization (WHO), following your yellow fever vaccination.

This certificate is usually in a little yellow book - digital certification has not yet come to Yellow fever vaccination. However the vaccine can be added to your (digital) Australian Immunisation Register entry.

If you are planning any travel to Africa or South America, it is highly recommended that you book in for your yellow fever vaccination at least 4 weeks prior to departure. Map of Yellow fever regions is here

To find your local approved vaccination clinic, checkout the list of TMA members here

Further Information

Further information can be found at:

• Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care - https://www.health.gov.au/diseases/yellow-fever?utm_source=health.gov.au&utm_medium=callout-auto-custom&utm_campaign=digital_transformation
• World Health Organization - https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/vaccination-requirements-and-recommendations-for-international-travellers-and-malaria-situation-per-country-2022-edition

Frequently asked questions

How long does the yellow fever vaccine last?

For most people, one dose provides lifelong protection, and certificates are valid for life.

Where can I get the yellow fever vaccine?

Only approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres can give it in Australia. All TMA member clinics are approved centres.

Sources

• Australian Immunisation Handbook: Yellow fever
• Department of Health: Yellow fever fact sheet (April 2026)

Related travel health guides

• Yellow Fever Vaccine in Australia
• Malaria Tablets: A Guide for Australian Travellers
• Essential Mosquito Protection Tips for Travellers