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The yellow fever vaccine is part of the basic vaccination schedule for children and adults in some states in Brazil, being mandatory for people residing or intending to travel to endemic areas of the disease, such as northern Brazil and some countries in Africa. The disease is transmitted through mosquito bites belonging to the genusHaemagogus, Sabethes or Aedes aegypti.
This vaccine can be administered to people over 9 months of age, especially up to 10 days before traveling to an affected location, being applied by a nurse, on the arm, at a health clinic.
Whoever had the vaccine at least once in their life, does not need to do the vaccination before traveling, since they are protected for the rest of their lives. However, in the case of babies who received the vaccine up to 9 months, it is advisable to make a new booster dose at 4 years old.
The vaccine is also recommended for people who work in rural tourism and workers who need to enter the forest or forest in these regions. The yellow fever vaccine recommendations are as follows:
Age | How to take |
Babies 6 to 8 months | Take 1 dose in case of an epidemic or if you are traveling to a risk area. You may need to have a booster dose at age 4. |
From 9 months | Single dose of the vaccine. Booster dose at 4 years of age may be recommended. |
From 2 years | Take the booster dose of the vaccine if you live in an endemic region. |
+ 5 years (without ever having this vaccine) | Take the 1st dose and reinforce after 10 years. |
60+ years | Evaluate each case with the doctor. |
People who need to travel to endemic areas | - If it is the first dose of this vaccine: Take 1 dose at least 10 days before the trip;
- If you have had this vaccine before: You don't have to.
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The Brazilian states that require vaccination against yellow fever are Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, Goiás, Tocantins, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Maranhão and Minas Gerais. Some regions of the following states can also be indicated: Bahia, Piauí, Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.
The vaccine against yellow fever can be found free of charge in Basic Health Units or in private vaccination clinics accredited with Anvisa.
How the vaccine is applied
The yellow fever vaccine is administered through a skin injection by a nurse. The vaccine can be applied to babies over 9 months of age and to all people who may be exposed to yellow fever.
How the fractional vaccine works
In addition to the complete yellow fever vaccine, the fractionated vaccine was also released, which contains 1/10 of the complete vaccine composition and which, instead of protecting for life, only protects for 8 years. During this period, the vaccine's effectiveness remains the same and there is no increased risk of catching the disease. This measure was implemented to allow a greater number of people to be vaccinated during periods of epidemic and the fractionated vaccine can be made at health centers free of charge.
Possible adverse reactions and what to do
The yellow fever vaccine is quite safe, however, in some cases it is possible that some adverse reactions may arise, the most common of which include pain at the bite site, fever and general malaise.
1. Pain and redness at the bite site
Pain and redness at the bite site are the most common adverse reactions that can occur. In addition, some people also feel that the place is harder and swollen. These reactions occur in about 4% of people, 1 to 2 days after vaccination.
What to do: To relieve skin and inflammation, apply ice to the area, protecting the skin with a clean cloth. If there are very extensive injuries or limited movement, see a doctor immediately.
2. Fever, muscle and headache
Side effects such as fever, muscle pain and headache may also manifest, which can occur in about 4% of people, usually from the 3rd day after vaccination.
What to do: to relieve fever, the person can take painkillers and antipyretics, such as paracetamol or dipyrone, for example, ideally under the guidance of a health professional.
3. Anaphylactic shock
Anaphylactic shock is a very serious allergic reaction, which although rare, can occur in some people who receive the vaccine. Some of the characteristic symptoms include difficulty breathing, itching and redness of the skin, swelling of the eyes and increased heartbeat, for example. These reactions usually occur within the first 30 minutes up to 2 hours after vaccination.
What to do: If anaphylactic shock is suspected, you should go quickly to the emergency room. See what to do in case of anaphylactic shock.
4. Neurological changes
Neurological changes, such as meningism, seizures, motor disorders, changes in the level of consciousness, stiff neck, intense and prolonged headache or numbness are extremely rare, but also very serious reactions, which can happen about 7 to 21 days after vaccination. Intense and prolonged headache is a frequent symptom and can occur soon after vaccination, being a warning sign for possible neurological complications.
What to do: If you experience any of these symptoms, you should go to the doctor as soon as possible, who should investigate other serious neurological syndromes.
Who can not get the vaccine
The vaccine is not recommended in the following cases:
- Children under 6 months, due to the immaturity of the immune system, in addition to a greater risk of neurological reactions and a greater chance of the vaccine having no effect;
- People over 60, because the immune system is already weakened due to age, which increases the chance of the vaccine not working and reactions to the vaccine.
- During pregnancy, it is recommended only in case of an epidemic and after the doctor's release. In the case of pregnant women who live in regions with a higher risk of yellow fever, it is recommended that the vaccine be administered during pregnancy planning, if the woman has not been vaccinated in childhood;
- Women who are breastfeeding babies under 6 months, to avoid serious reactions;
- People with diseases that weaken the immune system, such as cancer or HIV infection, for example;
- Treatment with corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, since it also decreases the efficiency of the immune system;
- People who have undergone organ transplantation;
- Carriers of autoimmune diseases, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis, for example, as they also interfere with immunity.
In addition, people who have a history of severe allergic reactions to egg or gelatin should also not get the vaccine. Thus, people who cannot get the yellow fever vaccine should take steps to avoid contact with the mosquito, such as wearing long-sleeved pants and blouses, repellents and musketeers, for example. Learn more about ways to protect yourself from yellow fever.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
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