Stamaril

Indications

Yellow Fever Vaccine protects against yellow fever, a serious viral infection spread by mosquitoes in parts of Africa and South America. It is given to people aged 9 months and older who live in or travel to areas where yellow fever occurs, and to travellers to countries that require proof of vaccination for entry.

How It Works

It is a live vaccine containing a weakened form of the yellow fever virus. It causes a very mild infection that trains the immune system to make antibodies, so that the body can fight off the real virus if exposed. Protection develops about 10 days after vaccination and a single dose usually gives lifelong protection.

Dosage and Administration

The vaccine is given as a single injection under the skin or into the muscle by a doctor or nurse, usually at an authorised vaccination centre, following the official schedule. A booster is not usually needed, but may be advised in some situations. The vaccination certificate becomes valid 10 days after the dose, so it should be given at least 10 days before travel.

Interactions

• Medicines that weaken the immune system (high-dose corticosteroids, chemotherapy, Methotrexate, biologics, transplant medicines) can make the vaccine unsafe or less effective.
• Other live vaccines (such as MMR) should be given on the same day or at least 4 weeks apart.
• Immunoglobulins or recent blood products may be considered by the doctor when planning timing.

Contraindications

• Infants under 6 months of age.
• Severe allergy to egg, chicken proteins, gelatin or any vaccine ingredient, or to a previous dose.
• Weakened immune system from illness (such as symptomatic HIV or low CD4 count, leukaemia, lymphoma) or treatment.
• Disorders of the thymus gland or a history of thymus removal.
• Acute illness with high fever (vaccination is postponed).

Side Effects

Common effects include soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, mild fever, muscle aches and tiredness, usually within a few days to two weeks. Rarely, serious reactions can occur: severe allergic reactions, inflammation of the brain or nerves, and a yellow fever-like illness affecting many organs. These rare reactions are more likely in people over 60 years of age and in those receiving their first dose.

Get urgent medical help if there is difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, high fever, severe headache, confusion, stiff neck, fits, weakness or numbness, yellowing of the skin, or reduced urine in the weeks after vaccination.

Pregnancy and Lactation

It is generally avoided in pregnancy and given only if travel to a high-risk area cannot be postponed. Breastfeeding women, especially those with babies under 9 months, should avoid the vaccine unless travel to a high-risk area is unavoidable, as the vaccine virus has rarely passed to infants through breast milk. Discuss with a doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

• Extra care is needed for people over 60 years, infants aged 6 to 9 months and people with HIV without symptoms.
• Tell the vaccinator about allergies, illnesses and all medicines.
• Continue to avoid mosquito bites, as the vaccine does not protect against other mosquito-borne diseases.
• Do not donate blood for 4 weeks after vaccination.

Overdose

Overdose is unlikely as it is a single dose given by a health professional. If an extra dose is given, the person is monitored for side effects.

Therapeutic Class

Vaccine (live attenuated viral vaccine).

Storage

Store in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C; do not freeze. Protect from light. Once mixed, use promptly as directed on the pack. Keep out of the reach of children.