Changes to yellow fever vaccination requirements (South Africa <> Zambia, Tanzania)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revised the Yellow Fever vaccination recommendations for Africa and the South African Department of Health has therefore issued the following information regarding the requirements for travellers from and to South Africa:

Returning travellers from South Africa to Zambia or Tanzania and those from Zambia or Tanzania travelling to South Africa will require proof of yellow fever vaccination. Previously, this was not required. All in-transit passengers between the two destinations, irrespective of the time period in transit, will also require proof of yellow fever vaccination. (via sastm.org.za)

Yellow Fever certificates are valid for 10 years, starting 10 days after the date of vaccination.
If travellers or citizens are unable to produce a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at the port of entry, or their vaccination has been administered less than 10 days before departure, they may be:

• refused entry
• quarantined until their certificate becomes valid, or for a period of not more than 6 days
• allowed entry, if they have an exemption certifcate due to medical reasons, but are required to report any fever or other symptoms to the health authorities and be placed under surveillance.

A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate, should be:

• approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO)
• administered at least 10 days before departure to South Africa at yellow fever-approved vaccination centres (the vaccine offers protection 10 days after administration) (via southafrica.net)