YF-VAX SUMMARY
YF-VAX®, Yellow Fever Vaccine, for subcutaneous use, is prepared by culturing the 17D-204 strain of yellow fever virus in living avian leukosis virus-free (ALV-free) chicken embryos. The vaccine contains sorbitol and gelatin as a stabilizer, is lyophilized, and is hermetically sealed under nitrogen. No preservative is added. The vaccine must be reconstituted immediately before use with the sterile diluent provided (Sodium Chloride Injection USP - contains no preservative). YF-VAX® is formulated to contain not less than 4.74 log10 plaque forming units (PFU) per 0.5 mL dose. The vaccine appears slightly opalescent and light orange in color after reconstitution.
YF-VAX® is recommended for active immunization of persons 9 months of age and older in the following categories:
PERSONS LIVING IN OR TRAVELING TO ENDEMIC AREAS
While the actual risk for contracting yellow fever during travel is probably low, variability of itineraries and behaviors and the seasonal incidence of disease make it difficult to predict the actual risk for a given individual traveling to a known endemic or epidemic area. Persons greater than or equal to 9 months of age traveling to or living in areas of South America and Africa where yellow fever infection is officially reported at the time of travel should be vaccinated. Vaccination is also recommended for travel outside the urban areas of countries that do not officially report the disease but that lie in a yellow fever endemic zone.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Yellow fever vaccination may be required for international travel. Some countries in Africa require evidence of vaccination from all entering travelers and some countries may waive the requirements for travelers staying less than 2 weeks that are coming from areas where there is no current evidence of significant risk for contracting yellow fever. Some countries require an individual, even if only in transit, to have a valid International Certificate of Vaccination if the individual has been in countries either known or thought to harbor yellow fever virus. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination with YF-VAX®. 2,21 In no instance should infants less than 9 months of age receive yellow fever vaccine, because of the risk of encephalitis (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections).
LABORATORY PERSONNEL
Those laboratory personnel who might be exposed to virulent yellow fever virus or to concentrated preparations of the yellow fever vaccine strain by direct or indirect contact or by aerosols should be vaccinated. 2
As with any vaccine, vaccination with YF-VAX® may not protect 100% of susceptible individuals (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY section).
For simultaneous administration of other vaccines see PRECAUTIONS section, Drug Interactions subsection.
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