Yellow Fever Dilemma

I seem to remember that if you have had the jab before protection might last longer than previously thought

See my thread on the Health Branch. Yellow fever vaccination booster not needed, says WHO, including the caveat that this does not change the legal requirement for a cert if a country wants to impose that.

There are two serious problems that occur more often in people over 60. I won't burden you with the whole medical rigmarole, just some statements from the CDC

One is called YEL-AND
>The onset of illness for documented cases is 3–28 days after vaccination, and almost all cases were in first-time vaccine recipients. YEL-AND is rarely fatal

The other is YEL-AVD and it is more serious
> YEL-AVD appears to occur after the first dose of yellow fever vaccine, rather than with booster doses.

And, for travelers over age 60
>The risk of YEL-AND and YEL-AVD is also increased in this age group, at 1.8 and 1.4 per 100,000 doses, respectively, compared with 0.8 and 0.4 per 100,000 for all vaccine recipients. Given that YEL-AND and YEL-AVD are seen almost exclusively in primary vaccine recipients, more caution should be exercised with older travelers who may be receiving yellow fever vaccine for the first time.

Thanks Nutrax and I think that is where I saw it.

To add my two cents worth - both husband and self have up-to-day yellow fever vaccinations (62 and 69), They were renewed at a Canadian travel clinic without comment just last year. But that said, over the last 15 years we've traveled to many countries that "required" the vaccination. I have NEVER, however been asked to produce my vaccination booklet. I'd still get all my vaccinations for my own protection but no border guard has ever been interested :)

On the other hand, husband and I were questioned at Melbourne airport some years ago after returning from 9 weeks in Peru. We spent about 20 mins speaking with a health official who not only checked our yellow health books but asked for details on where we had been.

And on yet another occasion (admittedly many years ago) we had an interesting debate with officials on the Indian side of the border with Pakistan who thoroughly checked the details of our various jabs.

I've never taken a single jab and have travelled to 75 countries on all continents.
Westerners (mostly merkins) tend to think that everywhere outside the the western world people die like flies if they don't vaccinate.

Well, I guess this Cajun sides with the merkins on this one. Vaccinations and immunizations are not only for our own protection, but also for those we come home to. Any children or elderly loved ones in your life? I sincerely wish you continued best of health in your travels, and hope your decision doesn't comeback and jab you in the..arm! :)

I am 68 and have just been revaccinated for the third time in uganda and have had no troubles. You must have the jab if you travel to south america and africa from australia and most countries insist on seeing the certificate.South African airways won't even let you on th eplane without it. so have it if you want to go and hope. I didn't know about the over 60 but it lasts for 10 years.By the way though the guard at the door of the vaccination clinic in uganda will arrange for a neatly stamped certificate book for you for a very small tip. I know becaise I was robbed in uganda and had to get another certificate to get on the ploane to get home!