This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Further recommendations for yellow fever vaccine
The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has conducted a review of the yellow fever vaccine (Stamaril) and found that, for most people, the balance of benefits and possible side effects of the vaccine remains favourable.
It does however recommend that further precautions should be taken in people with weakened immunity and in those aged 60 years or older.
A letter has been circulated to yellow fever vaccination centres to advise them of the CHM’s recommendations and an article in the MHRA’s safety bulletin, Drug Safety Update, has also been published to inform other healthcare professionals.
The CHM recommendations strengthen measures to minimise risk with the yellow fever vaccine (Stamaril) following very rare fatal reactions. Key recommendations include new and updated information on who shouldn’t receive the vaccine and additional precautions to protect risk groups.
Yellow fever is a life-threatening viral infection carried by mosquitoes in some tropical countries. It is essential for anyone travelling to an area where there is a risk of infection to take steps to reduce the risk. The yellow fever vaccine is highly effective and it is the best way to protect those at risk of disease during travel.
Dr Philip Bryan, Vaccine Safety Lead at the MHRA, said: “Yellow fever is a deadly disease. Vaccination is highly effective and remains the best form of protection. The possible side effects of yellow fever vaccine are mostly mild and short-lasting, and not everyone will experience them.
“But there is a very rare risk of life-threatening side effects and the vaccine is not suitable for everyone, such as those who may have a weakened immune system because of drugs they are taking, or illnesses they have or have had in the past. Additionally, people aged 60 years or over should only receive the vaccine if there is a significant and unavoidable risk of yellow fever infection during their travel.
“Patient safety is our highest priority and the MHRA is now working to communicate the Commission’s recommendations to health care professionals.”
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