Who cannot get the vaccine

The yellow fever vaccine is live and not safe for everyone. A medical exemption may apply if any of the following are true:

• Infants under 9 months of age
• Pregnant women (unless outbreak risk is unavoidable)
• Breastfeeding infants under 9 months (mother may need to delay vaccination)
• Severe allergy to eggs or vaccine components
• Immunosuppression (advanced HIV, organ transplant, chemotherapy, immunosuppressive drugs)
• Thymus disorder or history of thymus disease (myasthenia gravis, thymoma)

How to get a medical exemption

1. 1

   Confirm your contraindication with a licensed physician who can document it in writing.

2. 2

   Visit a CDC-authorized US Yellow Fever Vaccination Center — only these centers can issue the official International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP, the 'yellow card') and complete its medical contraindication section.

3. 3

   Have the authorized center complete and stamp the 'Medical contraindications' section of the ICVP, stating the specific medical reason you cannot receive the vaccine.

4. 4

   Obtain a signed physician's letter on letterhead detailing the contraindication, your name, and travel dates.

5. 5

   Carry both the stamped ICVP and the physician's letter with your passport when traveling.

6. 6

   Check with the destination's embassy before travel — some countries restrict entry or require quarantine for travelers who cannot show proof of vaccination, even with a medical waiver.