Yellow Fever Vaccine in Ottawa
Required for entry to many countries. Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy is Ottawa’s certified Yellow Fever centre — your official Yellow Card issued same day.
Book Virtual Consultation →Call 1-833-274-9673What Is Yellow Fever and Who Needs the Vaccine?
Yellow fever is a serious viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. It is endemic in tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa and South America. The disease can progress rapidly to a severe phase causing jaundice, organ failure, and death — with no specific treatment available once symptomatic. The yellow fever vaccine is one of the most effective vaccines in existence, providing lifelong immunity in over 99% of recipients after a single dose.
Who Requires the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
The yellow fever vaccine in Ottawa is required in two distinct situations:
- Entry requirement: Over 40 countries legally require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry — particularly if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Without a valid Yellow Card, you may be denied boarding or entry at the border.
- Medical recommendation: Travel to endemic regions in Africa and South America is recommended even when not legally mandated, based on your specific destinations and activities.
Countries with entry requirements include Brazil (some regions), Ghana, Kenya (if arriving from endemic countries), Uganda, Tanzania, and many others. Your ISTM-certified physician will review the current PHAC requirements for your specific itinerary at your virtual consultation.
Ottawa's Certified Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre
The yellow fever vaccine can only be legally administered by a government-designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. Not every pharmacy or clinic is authorized to give it — and only designated centres can issue the official International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly called the Yellow Card.
Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy is a government-designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. We carry the Stamaril yellow fever vaccine and can issue your official Yellow Card on the same day as your vaccination appointment.
What Is the Yellow Card?
The Yellow Card (ICVP) is an internationally recognized proof of vaccination document issued under the International Health Regulations. It must be stamped and signed by an authorized vaccinator at a certified centre — a printed certificate from a non-designated pharmacy is not valid for border entry. Your Yellow Card is valid for life following a single dose of the yellow fever vaccine.
How to Get Your Yellow Fever Vaccine in Ottawa
- Book your virtual consultation — an ISTM-certified physician reviews your itinerary and confirms the yellow fever vaccine is appropriate for you. The consultation takes 30–45 minutes and is available 7 days a week.
- Receive your prescription — your vaccine plan is sent directly to Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy after the call.
- Visit the pharmacy — come to Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy at 2746 St. Joseph Blvd, Orleans, Ottawa to receive your yellow fever vaccine and collect your official Yellow Card.
Yellow Fever Vaccine: Countries, Timing, and Side Effects
Which Countries Require the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
Requirements change and are destination-specific. The following regions commonly require or strongly recommend the yellow fever vaccine for Ottawa travellers:
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, DRC, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya (via endemic countries), Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia
- South America: Bolivia, Brazil (Amazonian regions), Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela
Requirements change based on outbreaks and transit routes. Always confirm current requirements with your physician at your virtual consultation.
How Far in Advance Do I Need the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
The yellow fever vaccine requires at least 10 days before travel to become officially valid for international entry under the International Health Regulations. Your Yellow Card is only accepted at borders 10 days after vaccination. Ideally, book your virtual travel consultation at least 3–4 weeks before departure to allow time for the consultation, pharmacy visit, and the 10-day activation period.
Side Effects of the Yellow Fever Vaccine
The yellow fever vaccine (Stamaril) is a live attenuated vaccine. Most people tolerate it well. Common mild side effects include soreness at the injection site, mild headache, and low-grade fever lasting 2–5 days. Serious adverse events are rare but do exist — your physician will review contraindications at your virtual consultation, including age restrictions (not recommended under 6 months; caution under 9 months and over 60 years) and immune status.
Who Should Not Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
- Infants under 6 months of age
- People with a history of thymus disease or dysfunction
- Individuals with severely compromised immune systems
- Those with severe egg allergies (discuss with your physician)
- Pregnant women (only if travel to endemic area is unavoidable)
Your ISTM-certified physician will review your suitability at your virtual consultation and issue an exemption letter if the vaccine is contraindicated for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions — Yellow Fever Vaccine in Ottawa
How much does the yellow fever vaccine cost in Ottawa?
The yellow fever vaccine is not covered by OHIP. The consultation fee and vaccine cost are separate. Your virtual consultation fee starts from $60/person. The YF-Vax (yellow fever) vaccine itself is priced separately at the pharmacy — your pharmacist will advise at the time of booking. Some extended health benefit plans cover part or all of travel vaccine costs.
Is the yellow fever vaccine a one-time vaccine?
Yes. Under current WHO and PHAC guidelines, a single dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong immunity for most recipients. Your Yellow Card is valid for life. Booster doses are only recommended in very specific circumstances (e.g., vaccination before age 2, or certain immunocompromised individuals) — your physician will advise.
Can I get the yellow fever vaccine without a consultation?
No. Under Canadian regulations, the yellow fever vaccine requires a physician’s assessment and prescription before it can be administered. This is one of the reasons a virtual travel health consultation is a practical and efficient solution — you can complete the consultation from home, then come to Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy in Orleans for the injection.
Where else in Ottawa can I get the yellow fever vaccine?
There are a limited number of certified Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in the Ottawa area. Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy is one of them, located at 2746 St. Joseph Blvd in Orleans. Our virtual consultation model means you can complete the medical assessment from anywhere in Ontario before coming in for your vaccine.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Mexico or Cuba?
Generally no — Mexico, Cuba, and most Caribbean destinations do not require yellow fever vaccination unless you are arriving from an endemic country. Your physician will confirm based on your specific routing. Some travellers transiting through South America or Africa en route to these destinations may trigger a requirement.
Book Your Yellow Fever Vaccine in Ottawa Today
Virtual consultation from anywhere in Ontario. Yellow Card issued same day at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy. Available 7 days a week.
Questions? Call us: 1-833-274-9673