Around 5,000 Japanese soccer fans are expected to head to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup, and Japan’s Health Ministry has encouraged them to get yellow fever vaccines before leaving. An endemic disease transmitted via mosquitoes in tropical African and Latin American countries, yellow fever can be fatal aside from other symptoms such as fever, chills, headache and nausea.
While appointments are needed to obtain the vaccination for the disease, it has been made available at 25 locations around Japan, which includes quarantine stations and medical institutions, and costs around 10,000 yen (about US$95). Once vaccinated, one is eligible to get an “international certificate of vaccination” which is needed for entry in certain countries. While not a requirement to enter Brazil, it may be needed to travel to another country from Brazil.
The Health Ministry has issued advice to people planning to travel to Brazil so they can schedule their appointments in advance, as it may be difficult to book a medical appointment as the date gets closer to the opening of World Cup in June. They also warned that people who may want to get other vaccinations, such as hepatitis A, are not allowed until four weeks after the yellow fever vaccine is administered.
Comments: Indian fans planning to visit Brazil to watch the World Cup should also visit their nearest Yellow Fever Vaccination centers (We have centers in Delhi, Mumbai & chandigarh under the TravelSafe Clinic banner) and get the vaccination done at least 10 days before the date of travel. Since the vaccination for Yellow Fever is valid for 10 years, and their may be a last minute shortage (or other commitments by the soccer fans!) it is suggested that they do this sooner than later.
We would also advise them to take some other vaccinations recommended for Brazil including Hepatitis A, Typhoid, MMR, Hepatitis B, Tetanus (Tdap) to be better protected against travel related illnesses. Call us at our dedicated helpline on +918010777722 for more information.
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