Yellow Fever vaccination in London — designated NaTHNaC centre
Barbican Pharmacy & Clinic (operating as City Of London Clinic) is a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre under the NaTHNaC scheme. We administer the vaccine and issue the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) on the day. Every appointment is led by Asad Repon, a GPhC-registered Independent Prescriber.
What Yellow Fever is and why you might need the vaccine
Yellow Fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical Africa and South America. It causes fever, jaundice and in severe cases organ failure. There is no specific treatment, so vaccination is the primary protection. The vaccine (Stamaril) is a single-dose live attenuated vaccine that provides lifelong protection.
Which countries require the certificate
The Yellow Fever certificate is required for entry to many sub-Saharan African countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Angola, DRC and many others) and parts of South America (Brazil, French Guiana, Bolivia). Some countries only require it if you've arrived from a Yellow Fever endemic country. The NaTHNaC Yellow Fever Country Information tool has the latest country-by-country requirements.
Certificate validity — 10 days, then life
Under the 2016 amendment to the International Health Regulations, a single dose of Yellow Fever vaccine provides lifelong protection. The ICVP becomes valid 10 days after the vaccination date and remains valid for the bearer's lifetime. This was a significant change from the previous 10-year validity rule and means most adults need only one Yellow Fever vaccination in their lifetime. See our same-day certificate page for urgent travel scenarios.
Eligibility and contraindications
Yellow Fever vaccine isn't suitable for everyone. We assess eligibility against current NaTHNaC guidance:
- Age — routine vaccination from 9 months. Adults over 60 receiving their first dose need careful assessment due to slightly higher risk of severe reactions.
- Immune compromise — live vaccine, so contraindicated in significant immune compromise (HIV with low CD4, organ transplant, chemotherapy, high-dose immunosuppressants).
- Severe egg allergy — the vaccine is produced in eggs; severe egg allergy is a contraindication.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding — case-by-case assessment based on travel necessity vs theoretical vaccine risk.
- Thymus disorders — history of thymectomy or thymus disorders is a contraindication.
If you can't receive the vaccine, we'll assess for a medical exemption letter where clinically appropriate. Note that not all countries accept exemption letters at the border.
Same-day appointments and the 10-day rule
Same-day appointments are routinely available with two hours' notice. However, the ICVP only becomes valid 10 days after vaccination — so if your trip is within 10 days and your destination requires the certificate, you'll need to either delay the trip, accept the risk of refused entry, or rely on a medical exemption letter (where clinically appropriate). See our last-minute business travel guide for the full options.
What to expect after the jab
Most people get mild reactions in days 5-10 post-vaccination — headache, low-grade fever, malaise. Severe reactions (anaphylaxis, viscerotropic disease, neurological disease) are rare but known. We discuss what to look for and when to seek medical attention.
For corporate clients
City corporate clients with regular sub-Saharan African or South American travel typically set up a corporate account with us — monthly invoicing, VAT receipts, dedicated billing contact. Same-day appointments are routinely available for last-minute deal-team or executive trips.
How to book
Call 020 7253 9691 or visit cityoflondonclinic.co.uk/booking. Same-day appointments with 2 hours' notice. We're at 36 Goswell Rd., Golden Lane Estate, London EC1M 7AA — 4 minutes from Barbican station, 5 minutes from Bank.
