Review of serious adverse events following yellow fever vaccination

New recommendations for clinical practice with strengthened measures to minimise the risk of serious and fatal reactions post vaccination are published

On 21 November 2019, the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Public Health England (PHE), the National Travel Health Network and Centre and Health Protection Scotland (HPS) circulated a joint letter to inform health professionals of the recommendations of a Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) review of serious and fatal reactions following administration of yellow fever vaccine. The CHM found the balance between benefits and risks of yellow fever vaccine remains favourable for most travellers when used as indicated, but updated its recommendations to minimise risks to vaccinees. The recommendations aim to strengthen measures to minimise risk in those with weakened immune systems, for those aged 60 years or older, and anyone who has had their thymus removed to ensure that only those at significant and unavoidable risk of yellow fever are offered the vaccine.

The letter contains specific recommendations, and is available from this link. It will also be disseminated through alternative resources. 

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres will receive a direct email from NaTHNaC on this issue. 

NaTHNaC will update their clinical resources in due course.