Yellow Fever Vaccine Injection, Live

What is this medication?

YELLOW FEVER VACCINE (YEL oh FEE ver vak SEEN) reduces the risk of yellow fever. It does not treat yellow fever. It is still possible to get yellow fever after receiving this vaccine, but the symptoms may be less severe or not last as long. It works by helping your immune system learn how to fight off a future infection.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): STAMARIL, YF-Vax

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Active infection with fever
• Cancer
• HIV or AIDS
• Immune system problems
• Myasthenia gravis
• Recent or ongoing radiation therapy
• Thymectomy
• An unusual or allergic reaction to yellow fever vaccine, eggs, other vaccines, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is injected under the skin. It is given by your care team.

A copy of the Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. While this vaccine may be prescribed for children as young as 9 months of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply. This vaccine is not for infants under 9 months of age.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

• Chloroquine
• Immune globulin
• Medications for organ transplant
• Medications to treat cancer
• Other vaccines
• Some medications for arthritis
• Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

This vaccine, like all vaccines, may not fully protect everyone.

Report any side effects that are worrisome to your care team right away.

After getting the vaccine, you will be given a signed international certificate (yellow card) as proof of receiving the vaccine. The certificate is good for 10 years.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, confusion or trouble speaking
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Fever
• General discomfort and fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
• Unusual weakness or fatigue

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This vaccine is only given by your care team. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.