The yellow fever vaccine is part of the basic vaccination schedule for children and adults in some Brazilian states, which is mandatory for people who reside or intend to travel to areas endemic to the disease. The disease is transmitted by mosquito bites belonging to the genus Haemagogus, Sabethes or Aedes aegypti.
This vaccine can be given to people over 9 months of age, especially up to 10 days before traveling to an affected area, applied by a nurse, in the arm at a health clinic. Anyone who has received the vaccine at least once in their life does not need to re-vaccinate before traveling, as they are protected for the rest of their life. However, for infants who have received the vaccine up to 9 months, it is recommended to take a new booster dose at 4 years of age.
- The yellow fever vaccine is indicated for all those living in endemic areas.
- But it should also be taken by people who intend to travel to endemic places.
- Such as northern Brazil and some African countries.
Infants older than 9 months can already receive the vaccine, especially if they live in places where there is a risk of getting the disease. The vaccine is also recommended for people working in rural tourism and workers who need to enter the forest or forest in these areas. Recommendations for the yellow fever vaccine include:
From 2 years
Brazilian states that require yellow fever vaccination are Acre, Amapa, Amazonas, Paro, Rondania, Roraima, Gois, Tocantins, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Maranhao and Minas Gerais. Some regions of the following states can also be indicated: Bahia, Piau, Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.
The yellow fever vaccine can be found free of charge in basic health units or private vaccination clinics accredited by Anvisa.
A nurse gives the yellow fever vaccine by injection into the skin. The vaccine can be given to infants older than 9 months and to anyone who may be exposed to yellow fever.
In addition to the complete yellow fever vaccine, the fractional vaccine, which contains 1/10 of the composition of the entire vaccine, has also been launched and, instead of protecting for life, it protects only for 8 years. During this time, the effectiveness of the vaccine remains the same and there is no increased risk of contracting the disease. This measure has been implemented to allow more people to be vaccinated in times of epidemic and the divided vaccine can be manufactured for free in health facilities.
The yellow fever vaccine is quite safe, however, in some cases, some side effects may occur, the most common of which include pain at the site of the bite, fever and general discomfort.
Pain and redness at the site of the bite are the most common side effects that can occur. In addition, some people also feel that the place is harder and swollen. These reactions occur in approximately 4% of people, 1 to 2 days after vaccination.
What to do: To relieve skin and inflammation, apply ice to the area protecting the skin with a clean cloth. If there are very serious injuries or movements, seek medical attention immediately.
Side effects such as fever, muscle aches and headaches can also occur, which can occur in about 4% of people, usually starting on the third day after vaccination.
What to do: To relieve fever, the person may take painkillers and antipyretics, such as acetaminophen or dipirone, for example, ideally under the guidance of a health care professional.
Anaphylactic shock is a very severe allergic reaction that, although rare, can occur in some people who receive the vaccine. Some of the characteristic symptoms include shortness of breath, itching and redness of the skin, swelling of the eyes and increased heart rate, for example. These reactions usually occur within the first 30 minutes to 2 hours after vaccination.
What to do: If anaphylactic shock is suspected, you should quickly go to the emergency room. Find out what to do in case of anaphylactic shock.
Neurological changes, such as meningism, seizures, motor disorders, changes in consciousness, stiff neck, severe and prolonged headaches or numbness are extremely rare, but also very serious reactions, which can occur between 7 and 21 days after vaccination. Severe and prolonged headaches are a common symptom and can occur shortly after vaccination, being a harbinger of possible neurological complications.
What to do: If you have any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible, who should investigate other serious neurological syndromes.
The vaccine is not recommended in the following cases
In addition, people with a history of severe allergic reactions to the egg or gelatin should also not be vaccinated. For example, people who cannot receive the yellow fever vaccine should take steps to avoid contact with the mosquito, such as wearing long-sleeved pants and blouses, repellents and musketeers, for example. Learn more about how to protect yourself from yellow fever.