Drug Notes

Yellow fever vaccine (By injection)

Yellow Fever Vaccine (YEL-oh FEE-ver VAX-een)

Prevents yellow fever.

Brand Name(s):

YF-VAX

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• A booster dose of the vaccine is recommended every 10 years for patients who are at continuous risk of exposure to the yellow fever virus, and is required by his or her doctor.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are receiving a treatment or using a medicine that causes a weak immune system. This may include a steroid medicine (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Medrol®), cancer medicines, or radiation treatment.
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, or have any medical problems.
• This vaccine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child have a rash, itching, swelling of the tongue and throat, or trouble breathing after you receive the vaccine.
• Side effects from this vaccine could occur up to 30 days after you receive the shot. Be sure to tell your doctor about any serious side effects that occur during that time.
• Yellow fever vaccine may cause a serious side effect called neurotropic disease or post-vaccinal encephalitis. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have confusion, irritability, headache, seizures, stiff neck, or vomiting.
• This vaccine may cause serious allergic reactions affecting multiple body organs (e.g., liver or kidney). Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have the following symptoms: fever, dark urine, headache, rash, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, or yellow eyes or skin.
• Since the vaccine may not protect everyone completely, it is very important that you use precautions to reduce your chance of mosquito bites. These include using insect repellents and mosquito nets, wearing protective clothing, and staying indoors during twilight and after dark.
• The stopper of the vial contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex), which may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex. Tell your doctor if you have a latex allergy before you start receiving this vaccine.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Confusion, extreme sleepiness, or changes in personality or behavior.
• Decrease in how much and how often you urinate.
• Fever, severe headache, stiffness in your neck, vomiting, or seizures.
• Shallow breathing.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild fever, headache, muscle pain, or weakness.
• Redness, pain, swelling, itching, blistering, or rash where the shot is given.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017