Yellow fever
Yellow fever
YF-VAX
One dose, usually for life. Every product below is a Health Canada authorized vaccine; every schedule comes from the Canadian Immunization Guide.
Products authorized in Canada
Brand names and DINs (Drug Identification Numbers) as Health Canada's Drug Product Database lists them. The product monograph is the manufacturer's full prescribing information approved by Health Canada.
| Product | DIN | What it is | Presentation and age | Official information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YF-VAX Live vaccine | 00428833 | Yellow fever virus, live attenuated (17D) | 0.5 mL · powder for solution · subcutaneous · 9 months and older | Product guideHealth Canada recordProduct monograph (PDF) |
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Generally contraindicated: a live vaccine. Considered only when travel to a high-risk area cannot be avoided.
Breastfeeding
Generally contraindicated: transmission of the vaccine virus through breast milk, with serious illness in the infant, has been reported.
Source: Immunization in pregnancy and breastfeeding: Canadian Immunization Guide — Chapter updated August 2026. Live vaccines are generally contraindicated in pregnancy; routinely recommended vaccines can be given while breastfeeding unless the chapter says otherwise.
How many doses
The schedules the Canadian Immunization Guide describes for this vaccine. Which one applies depends on age, health and product — use the dose planner to see the dates for your situation.
| Schedule | Doses | Who it is for | Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow fever (YF-VAX) — one dose One dose from 9 months of age; a single dose gives lifelong immunity for most travellers. | 1 dose | Single dose for travellers 9 months and older to yellow fever risk areas, or where an International Certificate is required. Boosters are not recommended for most people; the certificate is valid for life and takes effect 10 days after the dose. Must be given at a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. Not given to infants under 6 months, people with thymus disorders, or most immunocompromised people; caution at 60 years and older. | YF-VAX |
Sources
- Yellow fever vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide — Chapter revised March 2023
- Health Canada Drug Product Database — product records and monographs
Clinical rules reviewed on 2026-09-27. General information from public Canadian guidance; a personal assessment is needed for treatment decisions. Care365 does not decide whether a vaccine is publicly funded in Ontario.