Vaccination Against Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a life-threatening viral disease spread by mosquitoes in tropical Africa and South America. Vaccination is the only effective protective measure and is mandatory for travel to many countries. A single dose provides long-term protection.
When to see a specialist
- Travel vaccination for trips to Africa (e.g., Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda).
- Travel vaccination for trips to South America (e.g., Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela).
- Obtaining a mandatory yellow fever vaccine and an international certificate of vaccination.
- Travel medicine consultation before travelling to a tropical region.
- Questions about the spread, symptoms, and risks of yellow fever.
- Assessing vaccine suitability (due to pregnancy, immunodeficiency, or previous allergic reactions).
Common symptoms
There is no specific treatment for yellow fever, which makes prevention extremely important. If you have been in a tropical region and notice the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
-
Back pain and muscle aches
Severe pain in back muscles and limbs, resembling flu symptoms. -
Bleeding
Bleeding from the nose, gums, digestive tract, which indicates the development of a severe form of the disease. -
Chronic nausea or vomiting
It is especially important to seek advice if the symptom occurs for an unknown reason or persists, as it can lead to dehydration. -
Consciousness disorders and confusion
A sign of central nervous system involvement that requires emergency care. -
Dark urine
Dark, coffee-ground-like urine is a sign of impaired kidney function and requires urgent medical attention. -
Headache
Severe headache, which may be accompanied by fever and does not subside with conventional painkillers. -
High fever
Sudden, persistent, or high fever (over 38 °C), often accompanied by malaise. In young children, rapidly rising fever may require particularly careful -
Jaundice
Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, indicating liver damage. -
Significant changes in well-being
General weakness, lack of energy, balance disorders, or headache, which may occur separately or together and indicate various health conditions. -
Skin rash or skin changes
Unusual rash, redness, itching, or blisters on the skin, especially if they occur after travel, insect bites, or with other symptoms of illness.
How to prepare for your appointment
- Bring your ID card or another identity document.
- Bring your international vaccination record if you have one from a previous vaccination. If not, we can issue one at the clinic for an additional fee.
- Write down your travel destinations and dates.
- Think about your previous vaccination history and bring your vaccination record if you have one.
- List all chronic illnesses, allergies, and regular medications you use.
What to expect during your appointment
Consultation and medical history
We will discuss your travel destinations, the nature of your trip, and your past health history.
Risk assessment
We will assess your risk of yellow fever infection based on your travel region.
Vaccination
We will administer the yellow fever vaccine.
Vaccination certificate
We will fill out or issue an international certificate of vaccination for yellow fever.
Counselling
We will provide advice on avoiding mosquito bites and other necessary precautions for your trip.
Information about your vaccination will be sent to the national health portal.
Payment & Appointment Info
Prices
Tallinn
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Vaccination against yellow fever A travel medicine consultation is required before receiving the yellow fever vaccine. | 60 € |
Everywhere else in Estonia
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Vaccination against yellow fever A travel medicine consultation is required before receiving the yellow fever vaccine. | 60 € |
Payment methods
Meliva Health Insurance covers this service under Vaccination coverage. Check your personal coverage limits in the ERGO app.
Referral
You can book this service as a self-paying patient without a doctor’s referral.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before my trip do I need to get vaccinated?
The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arriving in the destination country, as the international vaccination certificate becomes valid by then. Full immunity develops in about 30 days. We recommend booking an appointment as early as possible.
Do all countries in Africa and South America require a vaccination certificate?
No, the requirements vary by country. Some countries (mostly in West Africa) require a certificate from all entering travellers, while others only require it from those arriving from yellow fever endemic countries. You can find an up-to-date list of countries on the WHO website. We always recommend checking the current requirements of your destination country before you travel.
What should I do if I have already been vaccinated but have lost my certificate?
If the vaccination has been entered into the health information system, we can retrieve the data from the previous vaccination and issue a new certificate. If the data is not in the system, you will likely need to be revaccinated. Please contact our medical staff, who will help clarify the situation.
Am I fully protected after vaccination?
The yellow fever vaccine is very effective – one dose provides protection to over 95% of those vaccinated. However, to ensure full protection, it is also important to avoid mosquito bites: wear covering clothing, use mosquito repellents, and sleep under mosquito nets.
