Yellow Fever Vaccination

[swansong]

I am looking for advice from more experienced travelers that I am. I did my research before booking and at that time ( and indeed now ) no vaccination was required

 

We have an upcoming cruise visiting South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique.

 

Yesterday we received a letter from Regent which in some parts was unclear regarding Yellow Fever vaccinations.

 

It stated that we would not be able to disembark in Mozambique without a Yellow fever certificate. This conflicts with CDC advice which states that only visitors arriving from certain countries would require a certificate. South Africa and Namibia are not on that list.

 

The letter goes on to say that disembarkation in South Africa could be refused for the same reasons, again Mozambique and Namibia are not on the list so I wonder why they mention it at all.

 

Obviously we are concerned about whether we require vaccination, which we do not want and wonder if others have a view on this and whether recent visitors to those three countries have experienced a requirement to be vaccinated.

 

We have asked our TA to take this up with Regent but I don’t live in hope for a definitive answer.

 

Comments would be welcome.

[lprp]

@swansong Have you checked the UK Government Foreign Travel website?

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

 

It has a link about Yellow Fever which is useful:

https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/65/countries-with-risk-of-yellow-fever-transmission

 

We went on a similar cruise on Explorer in 2018 and recall similar concerns. However, we had previously been vaccinated for YF in the 90’s and the latest advice is that anyone vaccinated once is now considered vaccinated for life even though our certificates only have a 10 year validity. We took the certificates with us and never had to provide them.

Interestingly the same concerns arose last Christmas for our Mariner cruise to the Amazon. This time we visited our GP to check whether we needed any jabs for the trip. The nurse confirmed our research about YF. She also said that over 60’s are recommended NOT to get the YF vaccine.

[forgap]

We are on the Lisbon to cape town cruise and YF vaccine is required for passengers.  We just completed a visit to the Travel Well clinic at Emory University hospital in Atlanta.  Our doc had an MD and PhD in infectious diseases and reviewed our itinerary.  We were given a packet detailing the health risks in each country we are visiting and evaluated for our health risks.  We received an exemption certificate due to our ages.  We were up to date on the hepatitis vaccine but needed boosters for typhoid and polio.  Malaria is also a risk so we got prescriptions for that and antibiotics for the runs.  
 

All that being said, CDC and WHO accept YF exemption certificates but each African country can make their own policy.  

[papaflamingo]

1 hour ago, forgap said:

We are on the Lisbon to cape town cruise and YF vaccine is required for passengers.  We just completed a visit to the Travel Well clinic at Emory University hospital in Atlanta.  Our doc had an MD and PhD in infectious diseases and reviewed our itinerary.  We were given a packet detailing the health risks in each country we are visiting and evaluated for our health risks.  We received an exemption certificate due to our ages.  We were up to date on the hepatitis vaccine but needed boosters for typhoid and polio.  Malaria is also a risk so we got prescriptions for that and antibiotics for the runs.  
 

All that being said, CDC and WHO accept YF exemption certificates but each African country can make their own policy.  

We will be doing the east coast of Africa in May.  We also live near Atlanta.  Good information.  I have a Yellow Fever vaccination card although it's well over 10 years old, but we are both in our early 70's so an exemption might be the way to go.  I was unaware of the Travel Well Clinic at Emory.  Will contact them and get rolling on this.  Thank you so much for such valuable information.

[flossie009]

1 hour ago, papaflamingo said:

I have a Yellow Fever vaccination card although it's well over 10 years old

It is still valid

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/icvp

 

[mrlevin]

13 minutes ago, flossie009 said:

It is still valid

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/icvp

 

I guess I don't need my letter any more as my vaccine given 42 years ago is now considered valid.  😀

Edited September 6 by mrlevin

[gcorgain]

I did similar research when we cruised from South Africa two years ago. The bottom line is that people's experience was all over the map. Some were asked, and were not allowed off the ship without vaccinations. In some cases a letter was accepted, in others not. At the end of the day I got vaccinated (and didn't have any huge issues). We were never asked for the card. It really seems like it is up to customs agents at the time, and Regent chooses to be conservative, I can't really blame them. I know this probably doesn't help overly much...

[mj_holiday]

7 hours ago, swansong said:

The letter goes on to say that disembarkation in South Africa could be refused for the same reasons, again Mozambique and Namibia are not on the list so I wonder why they mention it at all.

 

Obviously we are concerned about whether we require vaccination, which we do not want and wonder if others have a view on this and whether recent visitors to those three countries have experienced a requirement to be vaccinated.

Regent and other cruises have no idea what may be imposed when the ship docks in certain countries.  I am sure they are trying to give the best info, but things can change.  We visited a travel doctor before trip to Amazon and got recommendations and visited out GP.  We were 65 and 68 at the time and our GP told us getting Yellow Fever is worse than getting the Yellow Fever vaccine, He also gave us a script for oral Typhoid vaccine.  We got the YF vaccine and I had about 5 minutes feeling slightly unstable and then nothing else, I had more impact from recent COVID vaccine.  

No one can predict what the borders of various countries will be looking for but recommend you check with your GP about what vaccines you can handle.

[machotspur]

11 hours ago, swansong said:

I am looking for advice from more experienced travelers that I am. I did my research before booking and at that time ( and indeed now ) no vaccination was required

 

We have an upcoming cruise visiting South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique.

 

Yesterday we received a letter from Regent which in some parts was unclear regarding Yellow Fever vaccinations.

 

It stated that we would not be able to disembark in Mozambique without a Yellow fever certificate. This conflicts with CDC advice which states that only visitors arriving from certain countries would require a certificate. South Africa and Namibia are not on that list.

 

 

Hi swansong

My wife and I are joining a cruise in November down the west coast of Africa, including Namibia & South Africa (some on this thread are also on the same cruise).

 

There has been much online disucssion regarding the Visa and YF requirements of each country. One thing that has emerged - admittedly particularly for Visas - is that the requirements for US v Australian v UK guests are often very different.

 

With this in mind I personally would refer to the UK Foreign Office site - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/madagascar/entry-requirements - which has never let me down. For all three countries it states that you only need a Yellow Fever vaccination/certificate if you are coming from certain countries.

The link for the list of these 'certain countries' is in the above weblink but for simplicity you will find it here :-

https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/65/countries-with-risk-of-yellow-fever-transmission.

 

As you have stated Madagascar/Namibia/South Africa are not risky 'certain countries' on this list. 

 

I don't know your itinerary but on the assumption that you are not visiting any of the 'certain countries' then copy the UK Govt. pages for each country (above) and ask Regent why they are saying something different. I suspect that Regent will come back with 'oops - shouldn't have said that' !!

 

Good luck - and don't worry too much ! 

 

 

   

 

[TakingFlight]

The new requirement to enter Mozambique with a yellow fever vaccination certificate or a medical waiver comes from the local Mozambique health authorities. The U.K., U.S. CDC, WHO guidelines haven't changed. My information comes from the U.S. Embassy in Maputo. The info from Regent says that Mozambique will accept a medical waiver.

 

"Mozambican authorities now require all travelers entering Mozambique to present a valid International Vaccination Certificate.  Additionally, travelers who have been to any of the 43 countries where Yellow Fever is known to exist must present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.  If you cannot present a valid certificate on entry you may be vaccinated at your expense (approximately U.S. $50).:"

 

[Hamwen3839]

We are on a Regent cruise in November from Barcelona to Capetown and recently received advice form Regent as to Yellow Fever requirements. 
This is from an official Republic of South Africa ( RSA)website

 

”Failure to produce a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at a South African port of entry could lead to refusal of entry, or quarantine until your certificate becomes valid. Quarantine will not be longer than six days.

If you have exemption certificate due to medical reasons, you will be allowed entry, but you will be required to report any fever or other symptoms to the health authorities, and you will be placed under surveillance.”

 

I also confirmed this with Australian High Commissioner for RSA

We have exemption certificates from an approved Yellow Fever medical  practice so I am not concerned that we will not be allowed in to RSA.

Hope this helps.

[papaflamingo]

22 hours ago, flossie009 said:

It is still valid

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/icvp

 

Thank you. Good news. 😎

[mnocket]

Just adding my 2-cents....  Several years ago during my annual checkup, I mentioned to my doctor that I was considering taking a cruise to the Amazon in several years.  He said it was good that I mentioned it because I was still within the recommended age range for getting the YF vaccine, but if I waited a few more years it would no longer be recommended due to age.  Since YF vaccine protects for life, he gave me the vaccine right there and then, and I was good to go whenever I chose to travel to the Amazon in the future.

 

The moral of this story is...  One of things you should probably discuss with your doctor when you get into your 60s is where you might travel in the future and what vaccines would be recommended.  It might make sense to get them earlier rather than waiting - especially for those that have age restrictions. 

[Mudhen]

Don’t get me started yf shots! Sore spot…haha!

Anyway, if you feel it’s necessary, don’t wait to do it. We live in the somewhat “hinterland “ and finding somewhere or someone near was a project. We got them, although eye watering expensive, at 300$ each and a long drive. This was probably 6-7 years ago,

This was for an Amazon cruise.

Turned out we needed it for nothing other than perhaps our “safety”?

I’m most certainly not saying not to get them but to consider what you’re doing in port or what if any the country you’re visiting requires….

[Pies4u]

In the UK there are now 2 ways of dealing with the YF issue - you can now get a vaccination at various places such as pharmacies, your GP, specialist clinics or the formally registered YF practitioners. I can only presume that they all issue the same certificate as the formally registered practices (see below).

 

However, the exemption waiver for those who do not receive the jab, due to age or other restriction, is actually contained within the YF certification document. You may get a separate medical letter of exemption from some places (MLOE) but this does not constitute a certification and is probably not accepted at all border checks. It is important to receive the Certificate, which confirms eutgerbtgstbyouvecreceuvedvtge vaccination or that you have a medical exemption.

 

Previously, only the formally registered practices could issue the certificate and/or sign the waiver. That may also have changed but I have no knowledge or experience of that. We are fortunate because our GP practice is also the regional clinic for YF vaccinations so it is simple to obtain the certificate if we need one. Due to age, we were unable to receive the vaccination a few years ago and I was specifically advised that no UK GP could vaccinate anyone aged over 60 at that time. The vaccination certificate was only valid for 1 trip too, that has now changed (since c 2016/17) even if there is an expiry date in the certificate. The MLOE is still only valid for 1 trip as I understand things, as is the “waiver” on any certificate too.
 

It is the certificate that is the key - not the jab! If you have a YF certificate, with the exemption waiver approved, it does not matter whether or not you’ve had the vaccination, you have the certificate, that is what might be examined on entry to any country. That certificate is valid in any UN country, it is not open for random customs officials to vary the internationally approved protocols.
 

If any countries, such as Mozambique, are applying different rules then that sounds mighty strange to me, as it is a matter of international regulation & it is not what is stated on their tourist/border information websites. I suspect that they are simply insisting on tourists having a valid certificate - which, as stated above, does not mean that you must have had the vaccination. It is pretty clear from what Taking Flight has stated in #10 above, that Mozambique are complying with the international protocols & they accept the signed waiver/exemption certificate.

 

Sorry, a bit long winded, but don’t worry if you are exempt - you can still travel to places that insist on YF certificates, which are usually only required if you’ve recently visited a country where transmission is rife in any event - which is also what Mozambique are applying. 

 

[swansong]

1 hour ago, Pies4u said:

In the UK there are now 2 ways of dealing with the YF issue - you can now get a vaccination at various places such as pharmacies, your GP, specialist clinics or the formally registered YF practitioners. I can only presume that they all issue the same certificate as the formally registered practices (see below).

 

However, the exemption waiver for those who do not receive the jab, due to age or other restriction, is actually contained within the YF certification document. You may get a separate medical letter of exemption from some places (MLOE) but this does not constitute a certification and is probably not accepted at all border checks. It is important to receive the Certificate, which confirms eutgerbtgstbyouvecreceuvedvtge vaccination or that you have a medical exemption.

 

Previously, only the formally registered practices could issue the certificate and/or sign the waiver. That may also have changed but I have no knowledge or experience of that. We are fortunate because our GP practice is also the regional clinic for YF vaccinations so it is simple to obtain the certificate if we need one. Due to age, we were unable to receive the vaccination a few years ago and I was specifically advised that no UK GP could vaccinate anyone aged over 60 at that time. The vaccination certificate was only valid for 1 trip too, that has now changed (since c 2016/17) even if there is an expiry date in the certificate. The MLOE is still only valid for 1 trip as I understand things, as is the “waiver” on any certificate too.
 

It is the certificate that is the key - not the jab! If you have a YF certificate, with the exemption waiver approved, it does not matter whether or not you’ve had the vaccination, you have the certificate, that is what might be examined on entry to any country. That certificate is valid in any UN country, it is not open for random customs officials to vary the internationally approved protocols.
 

If any countries, such as Mozambique, are applying different rules then that sounds mighty strange to me, as it is a matter of international regulation & it is not what is stated on their tourist/border information websites. I suspect that they are simply insisting on tourists having a valid certificate - which, as stated above, does not mean that you must have had the vaccination. It is pretty clear from what Taking Flight has stated in #10 above, that Mozambique are complying with the international protocols & they accept the signed waiver/exemption certificate.

 

Sorry, a bit long winded, but don’t worry if you are exempt - you can still travel to places that insist on YF certificates, which are usually only required if you’ve recently visited a country where transmission is rife in any event - which is also what Mozambique are applying. 

 

 

[swansong]

Thank you for that informative post. This explains the process and at 80 years of age I don't wish to risk the vaccination especially if it’s not required. Still waiting for a yes or no from Regent!

[swansong]

I have received a response from Regent that a Yellow Fever Vaccination is mandatory for this cruise even though the countries being visited are not on the WHO list of countries where YF is present. It’s a pity this requirement was not communicated before final payment !

[RELS]

1 hour ago, swansong said:

I have received a response from Regent that a Yellow Fever Vaccination is mandatory for this cruise even though the countries being visited are not on the WHO list of countries where YF is present. It’s a pity this requirement was not communicated before final payment !

 

As @Pies4u said, you want this card (your country's equivalent, of course):

 

 

And have a physician fill out this part:

 

And you should be fine. It's the official card that they're looking for.

 

 

[Pies4u]

I still struggle to see how Regent, a cruise line company, can insist that you must have a vaccination - which is in breach of international regulations, WHO protocols and in the light of the fact that every country accepts the waiver on a certificated document. 
 

That just doesn’t sound right tbh.

[PaulMCO]

13 minutes ago, Pies4u said:

I still struggle to see how Regent, a cruise line company, can insist that you must have a vaccination - which is in breach of international regulations, WHO protocols and in the light of the fact that every country accepts the waiver on a certificated document. 
 

That just doesn’t sound right tbh.

where does it say that Regent insists that you have Yellow Fever vax.  It says a medical waiver is acceptable, but it is up to the country involved to say what is and not accepted.  As noted in post #19 there is a spot for this on the Yellow Card. This a quote from the letter below...

 

Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination consists of an International Certificate Vaccination Card, approved by the World Health Organization. The card states the batch number of the Yellow Fever shot, the dosage, the date of inoculation and the doctor’s stamp. If you are medically unable to receive the Yellow Fever Vaccination, a medical waiver letter may be accepted in some ports.     It is ultimately the decision of the local authorities regarding what documentation they choose to review and accept. In the event you do not have proof of a Yellow Fever Vaccination or a medical waiver letter is not accepted you will be required to remain onboard while the ship is in that specific port.

Edited September 9 by PaulMCO

[Pies4u]

I was responding to the post in which indicated that it was Regent insisting by letter that the vaccination was mandatory on their cruise, irrespective of whatever else may be written elsewhere.

 

 

 

 

 

[swansong]

Thank you REL. 

I note below the response to my TA from Regent.

‘Very few GPs, if any, in my area are registered to give YF injections, I have made an appointment initially with a pharmacist who is registered but they cannot issue exemption certificates. We’ll see where we go from there.

I still cannot understand why they are insisting this for South Africa when the voyage only visits Namibia and Mozambique neither of which are on the WHO list.

It’s just coincidence that this arrives the day after final payment!

 

SEVEN SEAS SPLENDOR | 19 December 2024 | 18 Days

I am writing to advise you that I have been informed by your cruise operator that a Yellow Fever inoculation is now compulsory for the voyage you are due to undertake.  As of 11 July 2016, the International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is valid for the duration of the life of the person vaccinated. In brief, the WHO (World Health Organisation) has advised that: • The period of validity of the certificate for yellow fever is for the duration of the life of the person vaccinated; this applies to all certificates for yellow fever vaccinations, including certificates already issued, and new or duplicate certificates. • A valid certificate, presented by arriving travellers, should not be rejected on the grounds that more than ten years have passed since the date the vaccination became effective as stated on the certificate. Please note passengers allergic to the vaccine or unable to take it on medical grounds must be in possession of an exemption certificate from their GP.

Edited September 9 by swansong

[Pies4u]

I refer to #15 above. As you say, pharmacists can give the jab but they are not registered to sign the exemption waiver & I genuinely don’t believe ordinary GP’s in the UK can issue the waiver on the certificate either - it has to be from a registered YF practice as I understand the regulations.

 

Mine is stamped with a code and reference number which is specific to the registered unit, so even a GP will not be able to provide that. When we go to Brazil and other places next year, it will need to be re- stamped as it is trip specific as I explained above. (As I said, we are fortunate that our surgery is the regional YF clinic and our GP is the registered practitioner).

[Hamwen3839]

14 hours ago, Pies4u said:

In the UK there are now 2 ways of dealing with the YF issue - you can now get a vaccination at various places such as pharmacies, your GP, specialist clinics or the formally registered YF practitioners. I can only presume that they all issue the same certificate as the formally registered practices (see below).

 

However, the exemption waiver for those who do not receive the jab, due to age or other restriction, is actually contained within the YF certification document. You may get a separate medical letter of exemption from some places (MLOE) but this does not constitute a certification and is probably not accepted at all border checks. It is important to receive the Certificate, which confirms eutgerbtgstbyouvecreceuvedvtge vaccination or that you have a medical exemption.

 

Previously, only the formally registered practices could issue the certificate and/or sign the waiver. That may also have changed but I have no knowledge or experience of that. We are fortunate because our GP practice is also the regional clinic for YF vaccinations so it is simple to obtain the certificate if we need one. Due to age, we were unable to receive the vaccination a few years ago and I was specifically advised that no UK GP could vaccinate anyone aged over 60 at that time. The vaccination certificate was only valid for 1 trip too, that has now changed (since c 2016/17) even if there is an expiry date in the certificate. The MLOE is still only valid for 1 trip as I understand things, as is the “waiver” on any certificate too.
 

It is the certificate that is the key - not the jab! If you have a YF certificate, with the exemption waiver approved, it does not matter whether or not you’ve had the vaccination, you have the certificate, that is what might be examined on entry to any country. That certificate is valid in any UN country, it is not open for random customs officials to vary the internationally approved protocols.
 

If any countries, such as Mozambique, are applying different rules then that sounds mighty strange to me, as it is a matter of international regulation & it is not what is stated on their tourist/border information websites. I suspect that they are simply insisting on tourists having a valid certificate - which, as stated above, does not mean that you must have had the vaccination. It is pretty clear from what Taking Flight has stated in #10 above, that Mozambique are complying with the international protocols & they accept the signed waiver/exemption certificate.

 

Sorry, a bit long winded, but don’t worry if you are exempt - you can still travel to places that insist on YF certificates, which are usually only required if you’ve recently visited a country where transmission is rife in any event - which is also what Mozambique are applying. 

 

This just makes so much sense to me.Thank you for explaining the process. We have Exemptions letters from our GP, her practice is an authorised YF clinic however I don’t know why she didn’t just do it on the YF form.I suspect it was the first time she had been asked! I now intend to ask her to do the exemption on the proper YF Vaccination form.