In Australia the yellow fever vaccine can only be given by accredited providers at an approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, and NSW pharmacists are not authorised to administer it. This page explains who needs it, how to find an approved clinic from the Northern Beaches and how the certificate works. It also covers the parts of trip planning we can help with in Newport, from other travel vaccines to insect protection.
Who needs the yellow fever vaccine
Yellow fever is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes in parts of Africa and Central and South America, and severe cases can cause organ failure and death. The name comes from jaundice, the yellowing of the skin seen in serious cases. NSW Health strongly recommends that every traveller aged 9 months or older going to a yellow fever risk country is assessed and, if appropriate, vaccinated.
Entry rules are a separate question. Some countries ask for proof of vaccination if you arrive from, or transit through, an infected area, and your airline can refuse to let you board without it. Rules differ between countries, so check each one on your route with Smartraveller or the country's embassy or consulate in Australia.
Finding an approved clinic
NSW Health has a clinic search tool where you enter your suburb or postcode to find the nearest yellow fever vaccination clinic. Not every GP practice or travel clinic is approved, so confirm before booking that the clinic you choose appears in that search, then ring ahead to arrange a time and ask about cost.
Timing and your certificate
Have your yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before you travel. The clinic gives you an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, which is internationally recognised proof. Keep it with your passport for the whole trip.
Coming home matters too. If you are aged one or older and stayed overnight or longer in a declared yellow fever infected country in the six days before arriving in Australia, you will be asked to show the certificate. According to healthdirect, you can still enter Australia without one.
How Your Community Pharmacy can help with your trip
Your Community Pharmacy does not give yellow fever vaccinations, but the rest of your preparation can start here. Our pharmacists can:
- talk through your itinerary and explain the other travel vaccination options for it
- give hepatitis A and B, rabies pre-exposure and Japanese encephalitis vaccines, plus typhoid and polio
- update routine vaccines such as the flu vaccine and whooping cough (dTpa)
- suggest insect repellent and other travel health products; if you have seen them cheaper, show us the lower price and ask the team about a price match
- go over practical ways to avoid mosquito bites while you are away
- dispense the regular medicines you need for the trip, with free local delivery if we deliver to your address
If your doctor needs to be involved in anything else on your list, the pharmacist will tell you so you can book early.
Common questions
Can I get a yellow fever vaccine at a pharmacy in Newport?
No. NSW pharmacists cannot give it. Only accredited providers at an approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre can.
Does my GP give it?
Only if the practice is an approved centre. Search the NSW Health clinic list or ask the practice directly.
Can I have my other travel vaccines here first?
Yes. You can sort out your other travel vaccines here through our walk-in vaccination service, then visit an approved clinic for yellow fever. Tell both providers what you have had.
Where can I find other questions answered?
Our FAQs cover general pharmacy questions, and our health services page lists every service in store.