Yellow fever is a serious viral disease endemic to parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South America. For travellers to certain countries, vaccination is not simply a recommendation — it is a legal entry requirement. Without an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), you may be refused entry or required to receive the vaccine at the border.
Alisha Pharmacy on Acton Lane in Chiswick is an officially designated yellow fever vaccination centre, authorised to administer the vaccine and issue the internationally recognised certificate.
Which Countries Require a Yellow Fever Certificate?
Requirements fall into two categories. Some countries require proof of vaccination for all arrivals. Others require it only from travellers arriving from — or having transited through — countries where yellow fever is endemic. Requirements change periodically, and airlines may have their own additional requirements.
Countries where yellow fever vaccination is commonly required or strongly recommended include areas across sub-Saharan Africa and South America. For the most current, destination-specific information, the NaTHNaC Fit for Travel resource (fitfortravel.nhs.uk) is the recommended reference, and our pharmacist team uses this during every travel health consultation.
What Is the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis?
The ICVP — sometimes called the “yellow card” — is the official proof of yellow fever vaccination recognised by countries participating in the International Health Regulations. The certificate is valid for life following a single dose of the approved vaccine (updated guidance from 2016 removed the previous ten-year validity period for most recipients). However, some countries still apply national requirements; your travel health pharmacist will confirm the current position for your destination.
Critically, the ICVP can only be issued by an approved vaccination centre — a pharmacy or clinic that has been officially designated under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act. Alisha Pharmacy holds this designation.
Who cannot receive the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
Yellow fever is a live attenuated vaccine and is not suitable for everyone. It is generally not recommended for:
• Infants under nine months of age.
• Individuals with a known allergy to any component of the vaccine.
• Those who are severely immunocompromised, including patients on certain immunosuppressant therapies.
• Pregnant women, except in circumstances where travel to a high-risk area cannot be avoided.
• Adults aged 60 or over who have not previously received the vaccine — risk of rare side effects is higher in this group.
If you have any of the above contraindications, our pharmacist will assess your situation and, where appropriate, can issue a medical exemption letter from vaccination. This document serves as supporting evidence if you are questioned about your vaccination status at the border.
How Long Does the Yellow Fever Vaccine Take to Work?
Immunity develops within ten days of vaccination for most recipients. This is why yellow fever vaccination must be administered at least ten days before arrival in any country requiring proof of vaccination. If your departure is within ten days, please contact us immediately — we will assess whether there are any options available.
How to Book at Alisha Pharmacy
Alisha Pharmacy’s travel clinic is located on Acton Lane, Chiswick. We serve patients from across West London, including Hammersmith, Brentford, Kew, Richmond, Fulham and surrounding areas. The yellow fever vaccine is a private service and is chargeable; the price will be confirmed during your consultation booking.
Appointments are strongly recommended — particularly in the weeks before summer half-term and school
holidays when demand is highest. Walk-in enquiries are welcome but subject to availability. Book early to
avoid disappointment.
FAQs
Q: Does the yellow fever certificate last forever?
For most travellers, the certificate is now valid for life following a single dose. However, some countries still apply a ten-year validity requirement. Your travel pharmacist will advise based on your specific destination and vaccination history.
Q: Can I get a yellow fever vaccine at any pharmacy?
No. Yellow fever vaccination can only be administered and certified at officially designated centres. Alisha Pharmacy is an approved centre, which means we can administer the vaccine and issue the ICVP. Not all pharmacies hold this designation.
Q: What if I am not able to have the yellow fever vaccine for medical reasons?
If you have a contraindication to the vaccine, our pharmacist can assess your situation and issue a medical exemption letter if appropriate. Whether this is accepted in lieu of a certificate depends on the destination country.
Q: Is yellow fever vaccination available on the NHS?
Yellow fever vaccination is a private service and is not routinely funded by the NHS. The cost will be confirmed at the time of booking.