We’ve all been there—life gets busy, your departure date creeps closer, and suddenly you realise you haven’t sorted your vaccinations. If you’re travelling to a region where yellow fever is a risk or where proof of vaccination is required, you might now be asking: is it too late to get my yellow fever jab?

At Sudbury Court Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, we regularly help travellers with last-minute arrangements. In this guide, we’ll explain what yellow fever is, how soon before travel you need the jab, and what we can do to help—even if you’ve left it until the eleventh hour.

What Is the Yellow Fever Jab?

The yellow fever jab is a live vaccine that protects against the yellow fever virus, a serious disease transmitted by mosquitoes in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and Central America.

In addition to protecting your health, the vaccine is often a requirement for entry into certain countries. Without valid proof of vaccination—also known as the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP)—you may be refused entry or face mandatory quarantine on arrival.

Once administered, the yellow fever vaccine typically offers lifelong protection, although some countries may still require proof of recent vaccination.

How Soon Before Travel Should You Get It?

Ideally, the yellow fever jab should be given at least 10 days before you travel. This is for two reasons:

Immune Protection: It takes about 10 days for your body to develop full immunity.

Certificate Validity: The ICVP becomes valid 10 days after vaccination—this is a legal requirement for countries that require proof.

So, if your trip is more than 10 days away, you’re in a good position—book your appointment with us as soon as possible.

But what if you’re inside that 10-day window?

What If You’re Travelling in Less Than 10 Days?

If you’re due to depart within the 10-day immunity window, the situation depends on your destination country’s entry requirements:

• –> Some countries may still accept the certificate, especially if they don’t enforce the 10-day rule strictly.

• –> Others may deny entry, enforce quarantine, or require you to change your travel plans.

If your trip is urgent or unavoidable, speak to us. We’ll guide you through your options and may advise:

• –> Getting the jab anyway for partial protection, even if the certificate won’t yet be valid

• –> Carrying proof of medical exemption if applicable

• –> Travelling with extra documentation from our pharmacist to explain the situation

Every case is different, so booking a consultation is the best way forward.

Can I Get the Yellow Fever Jab at a Pharmacy?

Yes—Sudbury Court Pharmacy is a registered yellow fever vaccination centre. This means we’re authorised to:

• –> Administer the vaccine

• –> Issue your official ICVP travel certificate

• –> Advise you on other vaccines or antimalarial medication you may need

• –> Help with last-minute arrangements

We can usually offer appointments at short notice, subject to stock availability. If you’ve left things late, don’t panic—call us today, and we’ll do our best to help.

Is the Vaccine Safe at Short Notice?

Yes. The yellow fever jab is a single injection and can be given safely up to the day before you travel, though protection will be limited if given too close to departure.

It is not suitable for everyone, including:

• –> People with weakened immune systems

• –> Pregnant women

• –> Infants under 9 months

• –> People with a history of severe allergy to egg or a previous yellow fever vaccine

If any of these apply to you, we can discuss a medical exemption certificate, which some countries may accept.

What Else Can You Do at the Last Minute?

If you’re travelling soon, here’s how we can support you beyond the yellow fever jab:

• –> Rapid travel health consultation

• –> Last-minute vaccinations (e.g. hepatitis A, typhoid)

• –> Malaria risk assessment and tablets

• –> Insect repellent, mosquito nets, and sun safety products

• –> Medication for travel sickness, diarrhoea, or jet lag

• –> Advice on managing existing health conditions abroad

Being fit for travel means more than ticking boxes. It’s about protecting your health while staying compliant with international requirements—and we’re here to help you do just that.

Don’t Wait Any Longer

If you’re wondering whether it’s too late to get your yellow fever jab, the answer is: it depends—but there may still be time.

At Sudbury Court Pharmacy, we’ve helped many travellers with last-minute arrangements and can often offer same-day or next-day appointments. Even if the 10-day window has passed, it’s worth getting vaccinated for your safety and to fulfil the requirements of many border authorities.

Reach out or book online today, and let’s make sure you’re protected and properly documented before your journey begins.

This blog was written on behalf of Sudbury Court Pharmacy and Travel Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.