What are the contraindications for yellow fever vaccination in adults?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 16 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Contraindications for yellow fever vaccination in adult patients include:

  • History of thymus disease or thymectomy, as these patients have a higher risk of yellow fever vaccine-associated viscerotropic disease (YEL-AVD), which can be fatal ,.
  • Age 60 years or older, due to increased risk of neurological and viscerotropic adverse events following vaccination ,.
  • Known severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine or previous dose of yellow fever vaccine ,.
  • Immunocompromised individuals or those with certain immune deficiencies, as the vaccine is live-attenuated and may cause serious adverse effects (implied from expert opinion in The Green Book) ,.

Patients who cannot receive the vaccine and are travelling to countries requiring proof of vaccination should request a letter of exemption from a Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre or their treating practitioner ,.

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