Side effects to be expected

Possible side effects of a yellow fever vaccination include infections at the injection site with redness, swelling and pressure pain. Also, a flu-like infection with fever, fatigue, headache and aching limbs as well as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur a few days after vaccination. The symptoms can last for 5-10 days.

Very rarely a strong allergic reaction in the sense of anaphylaxis (allergic shock) occurs. This was manifested minutes to hours after vaccination by symptoms such as a skin rash with reddening, urticaria (nettle formation), development of breathing difficulties with swelling of the mucous membrane in the nasopharyngeal area, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) and nausea. If an anaphylactic reaction occurs, it must be treated by the administration of certain drugs (glucocorticoids, antihistamines, adrenaline).

Very rarely, an inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or meninges (meningitis) can occur after a yellow fever vaccination. This is known as a yellow fever vaccine-associated neurological disease. It has so far occurred almost exclusively in newborns.

For this reason, there is a contraindication to yellow fever vaccination in infants under 9 months of age. Also a disease that is clinically impressive like yellow fever and affects different organs and is in many cases fatal, can occur in rare cases. This is called a yellow fever vaccine-associated visceral disease. The incidence is about 1:1 million.

How long must I not drink alcohol afterwards?

Alcohol is not completely prohibited after vaccinations. However, it is advised to avoid alcohol as much as possible, if possible at least within the first few weeks. If alcohol should be consumed, then not in large quantities. After a vaccination, the immune system is more susceptible to disease. Especially with a live vaccination, it is as if the immune system is going through a mini infection.Therefore, drinking alcohol after a vaccination is the same as drinking alcohol during an infection or influenza infection: it should be avoided as far as possible or, at the most, consumed in limited quantities.