This vaccine helps protect you against yellow fever, a serious viral illness spread by mosquito bites in parts of Africa and Central and South America.
YF-VAX is listed under Health Canada DIN 00428833. The product record and monograph below describe this formulation; the dose schedule comes from the Canadian Immunization Guide.
At a glance
Brand
YF-VAX
DIN
00428833
Vaccine
Yellow fever virus, live attenuated (17D)
Presentation
0.5 mL · powder for solution · subcutaneous · 9 months and older
Live vaccine
Yes
Age and suitability depend on the product, the person and the reason for vaccination. Use the planner for a starting point and confirm with a healthcare professional.
Official sources
Use the DIN to confirm this exact product in Health Canada's Drug Product Database.
A listed product may not be stocked or publicly funded.
Before and after your vaccination
Bring your immunization record if you have one, so earlier doses can be checked.
Tell the healthcare professional about a serious reaction to a previous vaccine or an ingredient, and mention any health conditions or medicines that could affect your vaccination.
After the dose, stay where you can be observed for at least 15 minutes. Tell someone right away if you feel faint or develop symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Keep a record of the vaccine name, date and dose you received.
The details below are adapted from a Pharmasist patient handout linked to the same product monograph. The current Canadian Immunization Guide determines the dose schedules shown later.
What this vaccine helps prevent
This vaccine helps protect you against yellow fever, a serious viral illness spread by mosquito bites in parts of Africa and Central and South America.
It is given to travellers going to or living in areas where yellow fever occurs, to people whose destination country requires proof of vaccination for entry, and to laboratory workers who may be exposed to the virus.
After vaccination you will receive an official travel certificate. This vaccine can only be given at a specially approved travel vaccination clinic.
What to mention before a dose
Tell the person giving you the vaccine if you have a severe allergy to eggs or chicken protein, or if you have ever had a severe reaction to a vaccine before.
Tell them if you have a weakened immune system, for example from cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS, or medicines like steroids that affect your immune system.
Tell them if you have had your thymus gland removed, or have a condition affecting the thymus, such as myasthenia gravis or thymoma.
Tell them if you are 60 years of age or older, so the risks and benefits for your specific trip can be discussed.
Tell them if you have a fever or feel unwell, since vaccination may need to be delayed until you recover.
Tell them if you have ever fainted after getting an injection.
How it is given
This vaccine is given as a single injection just under the skin by a trained healthcare professional at an approved travel vaccination clinic.
Food timing does not apply to this vaccine, since it is given by injection rather than taken by mouth.
If you continue to travel to or live in yellow fever risk areas, you may need a booster injection after 10 years.
Important things to know
In rare cases, this vaccine can cause a serious illness affecting the liver, muscles, or kidneys, usually starting within about 10 days of the shot. This has sometimes been fatal, and the risk is higher in people 60 and older.
In rare cases, this vaccine can cause a serious brain or nervous system illness, usually within a month of the shot, especially in infants under 9 months old or people with weakened immune systems. This has sometimes been fatal.
Serious allergic reactions can happen, even in people who have never reacted to a vaccine before.
Fainting can happen around the time of any injection. Let the clinic staff know if you feel light-headed.
Effects you may notice
Soreness, redness, or a small lump where the needle went in is common and usually goes away within a few days.
Headache is common.
Muscle aches are common.
A mild fever is common.
Feeling tired or weak is common.
Feeling sick to your stomach can happen.
A skin rash or hives can happen.
When to contact a healthcare professional
Contact your healthcare professional if you feel unwell in any way in the days or weeks after your vaccination, or if the injection site gets worse instead of better.
When to get emergency help
Get emergency help for signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; hives; trouble breathing; or feeling faint, especially soon after the injection.
Get emergency help for a high fever with a severe headache, confusion, drowsiness, or a stiff neck in the days or weeks after vaccination.
Get emergency help for a fever with unusual tiredness, muscle pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes appearing in the first two weeks after vaccination.
Get emergency help for any new weakness, numbness, vision changes, or seizures after vaccination.
Other medicines and vaccines
Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines you take, especially anything that affects your immune system, such as steroids or cancer treatments, since these can affect whether you should be vaccinated.
This vaccine should never be mixed with any other vaccine or medicine in the same syringe.
Key points to remember
Keep your official vaccination certificate safe, as some countries require it for entry.
Plan your vaccination at least 10 days before travel, since it takes about that long for full protection to develop.
Continue to use mosquito bite prevention measures during your trip, since no vaccine offers 100 percent protection.
These are Canadian Immunization Guide schedules associated with this DIN. The right schedule depends on age, health, prior doses and reason for vaccination. Public health recommendations may differ from a product monograph's authorized schedule.
Yellow fever (YF-VAX) — one dose
1 dose
One dose from 9 months of age; a single dose gives lifelong immunity for most travellers.
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.
Family guidance on pregnancy: Generally contraindicated: a live vaccine. Considered only when travel to a high-risk area cannot be avoided.
Family guidance on breastfeeding: Generally contraindicated: transmission of the vaccine virus through breast milk, with serious illness in the infant, has been reported.
General information only. A suggested date is not an appointment or a prescription; a healthcare professional confirms what you need. Clinical rules reviewed on 2026-09-27.