Yellow Fever Virus

Yellow fever virus is transmitted to humans through a bite of infected Ae. aegypti mosquito. This mosquito is found in Florida and also serves as the vector for dengue and chikungunya.

While YFV is not is not circulating in North America, the risk of introduction is possible due to international travel.

After becoming infected, the incubation period of yellow fever is usually 3-6 days.

Illness ranges in severity from a self-limited febrile illness to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever.  Symptoms of severe infection are high fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, and backache. 

After a brief recovery period, the infection can lead to shock, bleeding, and kidney and liver failure.  Liver failure causes jaundice, the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Severe infections can be fatal.

There is no specific treatment, only supportive care and treatment of symptoms. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen) should be avoided because these may increase the risk for bleeding.

Yellow fever is a rare cause of illness in U.S. travelers to endemic countries.  Fortunately, it can be prevented by vaccination.

Vaccination is the most important preventive measure against yellow fever. The single dose vaccine is safe, affordable and highly effective. The vaccine confers sustained immunity and life-long protection against yellow fever disease without the need for a booster. The vaccine provides effective immunity within 30 days for 99% of persons vaccinated.

Travelers should be vaccinated for yellow fever before visiting areas where it occurs. International regulations require proof of vaccination for travel to and from certain countries.

How to Become a Florida Yellow Fever Vaccine Provider

Licensed physicians and pharmacists with a valid immunization administration certification can complete and submit the yellow fever vaccine registration packet.

Packets should be submitted to ImmunizationsYellowfever@FLHealth.gov.

Once a complete registration packet has been received and reviewed, you will receive an official notification of approval or denial. If more information is needed to process your application, you may be contacted by the Department. Once approved, you will receive a yellow fever vaccination certification package. Once you receive the approval as a yellow fever vaccine provider, you will be responsible for purchasing the uniform stamp, ICVP cards and yellow fever vaccine. Information regarding these will be included in your vaccination certification package.

The Yellow Fever Vaccine Coordinator will contact the vaccine manufacturer to let them know you are approved to order and administer the yellow fever vaccine and your information will be included on the Yellow Fever Vaccine Clinic Registry.

Change of Address

Please submit a change of address form after an address change has occurred. Failure to submit this documentation will inhibit your ability to order vaccine. This form must be signed by the uniform stamp holder in order to be processed. The information will be updated accordingly on the Yellow Fever National Registry and with Sanofi Pasteur Pharmaceuticals.

For more information about being a Florida provider, contact ImmunizationsYellowfever@FLHealth.gov or 850-245-4342.

For more information about the yellow fever vaccine, contact Sanofi Pasteur at 800-822-2463 or visit Yellow Fever Vaccine Information – Sanofi U.S.