This year I’ve traveled to South Africa and just recently came back from the Caribbean. Although most Countries in both Region does not need proof of a yellow fever shot, unless of course you traveled to other Countries in the yellow fever belt, then most likely a yellow fever card will not be required.

I’ve gotten really crazy after hearing some friends who visited Zanzibar from Doha and was asked to present a yellow fever card at Doha immigration, even after being assured at the Embassy of Tanzania in Qatar that it is not required. And although I was also assured the same at the South African Embassy when I applied for my Capetown Visa, that didn’t appease me. I decided to get vaccinated for my peace of mind. After All, what am I to lose? In other part of the world,  People have to pay hundred of dollars just to get this vaccine and I am getting it for free, thanks to Qatar’s sophisticated health care system.

I’m so glad I did, on my arrival at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, the Immigration officer asked if I have traveled to Africa. Of course I said yes, to Cape town,  South Africa. Trust me, I googled everywhere and a yellow fever card is not required traveling in and from Cape town. I wasn’t asked for my yellow fever card on my arrival/departure at Cape town for a start! But the immigration officer insisted that I show my yellow fever card, and so I did. Sometimes confusion happens, even on airports. So it’s always handy being prepared.

If you plan to visit one or more of the countries listed below, be sure you have been vaccinated for yellow fever before you leave home Neither you need to have malaria tablets for your travel.

“Note that a Yellow Fever vaccination is required at least 10 days before the trip. And the Vaccine is valid for 10 years or recently they say it’s valid for lifetime.”

But wait, Not too fast.

What is yellow Fever?

Yellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is most commonly found in parts of South America and South Africa. This decease can lead to serious illness and even death. When transmitted to humans the virus can damage the liver and other internal organs. It is called ‘yellow fever’ because in serious cases, the skin turns yellow in color known as ‘jaundice’.

How does a Yellow Fever Card Look Like?

Why do you need a yellow fever Vaccine?

There are two reasons to have the vaccine;

• To prevent a serious and potentially deadly disease
• To allow you to enter certain countries, or return home

Who should have a Yellow Fever Vaccination?

It is strongly recommended that all traveler’s be vaccinated for yellow fever if travelling to or from a yellow fever risk country.

Can you be exempt from Yellow Fever Vaccination?

The answer is Yes! Some people have medical conditions that would increase the risk of serious side effects from the vaccine. The yellow fever shot is a “live” virus and can trigger certain illnesses, like leukemia. In that case, the doctor may decide to issue a medical exemption certificate, or suggest you review your travel itinerary.

Who are usually excluded from vaccination?

• Infant aged less than 9 months. Except during an epidemic when infants aged 6-9 months, in areas where the risk of infection is high, should also receive the vaccine.
• Pregnant women – except during a yellow fever outbreak when the risk of infection is high
• People with severe allergies to egg protein; and
• people with severe immunodeficiency due to symptomatic HIV/AIDS or other causes, or who have a thymus disorder.

Where can you get a Yellow fever Vaccination in Qatar?

You can get it in almost all Private Hospitals in Qatar, of course with a fee ranging from 200 – 400 QAR. But why would you pay if you can get it for free at Hamad Medical Hospital?

How to get the yellow Fever Vaccination in HMC?

1. You need to have a valid Health Card, renewing a health card is now easy online. In case you don’t have a HMC card. You only have to pay 45 QAR that’s what I’ve been told when I inquired.
2. Book your appointment by calling 107. In my case I went there personally and requested for the soonest available appointment where I was given an appointment slip.
3. Arrive at least 30 mins before your appointment. I went straight to the reception where I was given a number for the Nurse area to get my height, weight and temperature measured.
4. When that’s finished, there will be a Physician to attend to you. Request for a Yellow Fever vaccination as you are traveling to Africa or South America. He will order the injection through system. If you need anti malarial tablets, You may also request. I also requested to be injected for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. And this Vaccines was reflected on my Yellow Fever Card  as Other Vaccines.
5. Alternatively, you can book an appointment by calling the communicable disease center’s travel Clinics. They can also issue a Yellow Fever Card.

ENJOY YOUR TRAVEL AND TAKE EXTRA CARE! DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR YFC CARD ON ALL YOUR TRAVELS REQUIRED OR NOT REQUIRED. YOU’LL NEVER KNOW.