yellow fever vaccine

Katnip, RN · Dec 3, 2004

I got one for some bizarre reason when I was 17. I didn't get sick from it. I don't know why I had to get it, since I wasn't going anywhere, but I distinctly remember having it done.

ayndim · Dec 3, 2004

I am going on a trip to Brazil and there is a yellow fever outbrek there, so I need to get a vaccine. Has anyone ever gotton one? Am I going to get sick? Its a live vaccine and I am a bit concerned.

I had one in the Navy and had no problems.

weetziebat · Dec 3, 2004

I am going on a trip to Brazil and there is a yellow fever outbrek there, so I need to get a vaccine. Has anyone ever gotton one? Am I going to get sick? Its a live vaccine and I am a bit concerned.

My daughter and I had to have the vaccine when we went to Africa, and we did not notice any symptoms from it. Have a great trip!

HarryPotter · Dec 3, 2004

thanks everybody...I feel relieved.

rjflyn, ASN, RN · Dec 3, 2004

thanks everybody...I feel relieved.

The other thing to do would be to speak with a doctor who specializes in travel medicine. He would be able to tell you more.

Rj:rolleyes:

TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Dec 3, 2004

I highly recommend seeing a travel specialist doctor. I did and she was very knowledgeable regarding need for what vaccine depending on the part of Brazil I was visiting (I went there earlier this year). He/She can advise you on the need for Malaria prophylaxis. Also the travel doc I saw recommended Hep A vaccination for almost all travel out of the US as it is endemic in most of the rest of the world. I didn't need it because I lived in Brazil as a child and I actually HAD hepatitis A.

As for the yellow fever shot itself, it was a little sore for a couple of days but not bothersome. Don't forget "insect precautions" while in mosquito infested areas (I was in such an area). Some diseases such as Dengue Fever or Chagas disease have no vaccine and you just need to avoid being bitten.

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Dec 3, 2004

Got them regularly when I lived in southeast Asia. Didn't bother me, and I was a big time wuss.

You shouldn't have a problem--but everybody is different.

Did you check it out on http://www.google.com? Maybe C. Everett Koop's site has something.....

have a great time in Brazil!

Salty1 · Dec 4, 2004

I am going on a trip to Brazil and there is a yellow fever outbrek there, so I need to get a vaccine. Has anyone ever gotton one? Am I going to get sick? Its a live vaccine and I am a bit concerned.

My spouse, myself and three children all had yellow fever immunization prior to traveling to and living in West Africa. No problems. Immunization is usually rendered at US Public Health facilities. The suggestion given above about contacting a physician experienced in Travel Medicine is good advice indeed as you might need to start taking malaria prophylaxis one or two weeks prior to departure for an endemic zone.

Da Monk · Dec 4, 2004

I had the vaccine in the Navy years ago. I seem to recall a brief period of mild malaise afterwards. But, it was no biggy.

weetziebat · Dec 4, 2004

The suggestion given above about contacting a physician experienced in Travel Medicine is good advice indeed as you might need to start taking malaria prophylaxis one or two weeks prior to departure for an endemic zone.

Now that is what I hate - the malaria prophylaxis. The particular med taken depends, but Larium made both my daughter and I quite ill. Not recommended, but I'd prefer to take my chances with malaria rather than take the dang pills again. I've also taken Chloraquin (think thats the one) and didn't have any problems with it. A travel doc is the way to go.

Salty1 · Dec 7, 2004

Now that is what I hate - the malaria prophylaxis. The particular med taken depends, but Larium made both my daughter and I quite ill. Not recommended, but I'd prefer to take my chances with malaria rather than take the dang pills again. I've also taken Chloraquin (think thats the one) and didn't have any problems with it. A travel doc is the way to go.

I have heard adverse reports about Larium. At the time I was in West Africa,Larium, fortunately, was not available. I took chloraquin tablets once weekly without any adverse reactions. Unfortunately, on a trip up country I had to stay longer than anticipated, did not have chloraquin with me and upon return developed malaria because the suppresant (chloraquin) was overdue. The schizont remains active in your system for a period of time and if you d/c the suppresant too soon - BINGO - you have malaria.