Yellow fever vaccine questions - for travel

Living with and after blood cancer
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Hi everyone, it’s been a while, I’ll be lurking on my lunch break to see what’s new. I hope you’re all as well as can be, especially in spirit despite what our bodies throw at us.

I’m looking into travelling to Ghana and see that the yellow fever vaccine is a requirement.

Unfortunately this is a live attenuated vaccine - a no-no for Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)))-ers.

Have any of you found an alternative to the live attenuated vaccine (I haven’t)? Anyone benefited from an exemption from a yellow fever vaccine?

Edited to add: apparently yellow fever vaccine is valid for the lifetime of the recipient. “According to World Health Organization (WHO), from 11 July 2016 (for all countries), the yellow fever certificate will be valid for the duration of the life of the person vaccinated. As a consequence, a valid certificate, presented by arriving travellers, cannot be rejected on the grounds that more than ten years have passed since the date vaccination became effective as stated on the certificate; and that boosters or revaccination cannot be required”. Source Travel Health Pro.

Thanks so much :slight_smile:

Edited to add: there is an inactivated vaccine under trial! Trial of an Inactivated Yellow Fever Virus Vaccine

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Dear @Calathea

Thank you for posting. I have read the Yellow fever - Vaccination - NHS and it does advise:

If you need a vaccination certificate for the country you’re visiting but you’re not able to have the vaccine, contact a yellow fever vaccination centre: YELLOW FEVER ZONE

They may provide you with an exemption letter, which may be accepted by officials in countries that usually require a vaccination certificate.

Having said this I would not want for you to be at any increased risk so I would suggest speaking to you Haematology team to discuss your individual risk and ask to be referred to the local travel clinic where information and support should be given.

I do hope that you get a resolution to this @Calathea

Best wishes

Gemma

Staying safe when you have blood cancer | Blood Cancer UK

YELLOW FEVER ZONE

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Thanks, @GemmaBloodCancerUK! Sorry, I thought I answered on the day and see it in my drafts :woman_facepalming:

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