Review of serious adverse events following yellow fever vaccination
New recommendations for clinical practice with strengthened measures to minimise the risk of serious and fatal reactions post vaccination are published
On 21 November 2019, the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Public Health England (PHE), the National Travel Health Network and Centre and Health Protection Scotland (HPS) circulated a joint letter to inform health professionals of the recommendations of a Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) review of serious and fatal reactions following administration of yellow fever vaccine. The CHM found the balance between benefits and risks of yellow fever vaccine remains favourable for most travellers when used as indicated, but updated its recommendations to minimise risks to vaccinees. The recommendations aim to strengthen measures to minimise risk in those with weakened immune systems, for those aged 60 years or older, and anyone who has had their thymus removed to ensure that only those at significant and unavoidable risk of yellow fever are offered the vaccine.
The letter contains specific recommendations, and is available from this link. It will also be disseminated through alternative resources.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres will receive a direct email from NaTHNaC on this issue.
NaTHNaC will update their clinical resources in due course.
Explore more
Mosquito and insect spread infections in the Caribbean
An increase in cases of mosquito and insect spread infections have been reported in the Caribbean region
Updated: 20 January 2025Changes to country yellow fever certificate requirements
Important reminder to look out for updates to country yellow fever certificate requirements
Updated: 09 January 2025Polio: Public Health Emergency of International Concern
An update on the polio Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)
Updated: 24 December 2024Methanol poisoning and local herbal brews during travel
Stay safe while enjoying drinks overseas by following our travel health advice
Updated: 23 December 2024UK malaria cases in returned travellers and updated guidelines
UK Health Security Agency publish malaria 2023 and 2024 (provisional) UK case numbers and updated malaria guidelines for malaria prevention in travell
Updated: 23 December 2024