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Yellow fever vaccine (Injection)

Yellow Fever Vaccine (YEL-loe FEE-ver vak-SEEN)

Prevents yellow fever.

Brand Name(s):

YF-VAX

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to eggs or egg products. This medicine should not be given to children under 9 months of age. You should not receive this vaccine shot if you have diseases that weaken your immune system such as AIDS or cancer.

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 trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving this medicine. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make you ill while you are using this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a steroid medicine such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Medrol®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you are allergic to latex rubber.
Make sure your doctor knows about any illness you have, especially HIV.
Side effects from this medicine 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.

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, 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.

Last Updated: 7/4/2008