Planning a trip to Africa or South America? Whether you’re heading off on safari in Kenya, backpacking through Brazil, or trekking through the Andes, it’s important to prepare for more than just the sights and scenery.

One of the most essential steps in preparing for travel to these regions is making sure you have the right vaccinations—especially your yellow fever jab. At Vivo Pharmacy in Bristol, we regularly support travellers heading to high-risk destinations, and the yellow fever vaccine is often a requirement—not just for your safety, but for entry into certain countries.

Here’s everything you need to know before you go, from vaccinations and health precautions to essential items for a safe, stress-free trip.

Why the Yellow Fever Jab Matters

Yellow fever is a viral infection spread by infected mosquitoes, and it can lead to serious complications including liver failure, bleeding, and death in severe cases. It’s found in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America, and certain areas of the Caribbean.

The yellow fever jab offers effective, long-term protection and is often mandatory for entry into countries with a known risk. In many cases, you’ll need to show proof of vaccination in the form of a Yellow Fever Certificate (ICVP) before you’re allowed into the country—or even onto your outbound flight.

Importantly, you must get the jab at least 10 days before travel, as this is how long it takes for the vaccine to become effective and for your certificate to be valid.

Which Countries Require the Yellow Fever Jab?

You may need the yellow fever jab if:

• –> You’re travelling to a yellow fever risk area, such as Ghana, Nigeria, Brazil, Peru, or Colombia

• –> You’re entering a yellow fever-free country from an area where yellow fever is present—they may still require a certificate to protect local health

It’s not always clear-cut, which is why it’s best to book a travel health consultation with our team at Vivo Pharmacy. We’ll review your itinerary and let you know if the vaccine is required or recommended based on your specific route and layovers.

What Other Vaccines Should You Consider?

In addition to the yellow fever jab, travellers to Africa or South America may also require or benefit from other travel vaccinations. These might include:

Typhoid – especially important if you’ll be eating street food or travelling to rural areas

Hepatitis A and B – recommended for most travellers due to food, water, and blood-borne transmission risks

Rabies – for those spending time outdoors, trekking, or working with animals

Tetanus – usually included in routine UK immunisations, but a top-up may be needed if it’s been more than 10 years

We can help you create a tailored vaccine schedule depending on how long you’ll be travelling, your planned activities, and your medical history.

What to Pack for a Safe and Healthy Trip

Vaccinations are just one part of being prepared. To help protect your health while travelling, we recommend packing:

• –> Insect repellent with at least 50% DEET

• –> Mosquito nets (impregnated with insecticide if possible)

• –> Antimalarial medication, if recommended for your destination

• –> Traveller’s diarrhoea kit – including rehydration salts, loperamide, and hand sanitiser

• –> First aid basics – plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relief, and wound dressings

• –> Sun protection – high-factor sunscreen, after-sun lotion, and a sun hat

• –> Water purification tablets or a travel water bottle with built-in filter, especially for remote regions

We stock a full range of these travel essentials at Vivo Pharmacy and are happy to help you put together a health kit for your journey.

Don’t Leave It Too Late

Your yellow fever jab must be given at least 10 days before your departure, and many of the other vaccines may require multiple doses or need time to take full effect. Ideally, you should book your travel health consultation 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to ensure everything is in place.

At Vivo Pharmacy in Bristol, we offer comprehensive travel health advice, including certified yellow fever vaccination services, other recommended jabs, and tailored advice on what to pack. If you’re planning a last-minute trip, we’ll still do our best to help—just get in touch as soon as possible.

Ready to Travel Smart?

Travelling to Africa or South America can be a life-changing adventure—but only if you take the right steps to protect your health. The yellow fever jab is a key part of that preparation, and we’re here to make the process simple and stress-free.

Get in touch to book your travel consultation with Vivo Pharmacy today, or visit us in store to talk to our team about your travel needs.

Let us help you get fully prepared—so you can enjoy your trip knowing you’re protected, informed, and truly fit to fly.

This blog was written on behalf of Vivo Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.