Yellow Fever Vaccine Deaths

CDC released a statement about some deaths that have been linked with Yellow Fever vaccines, in Peru. Here’s the link: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentYellowFeverVaccinePeru.aspx

The immunization campaign was the country’s response in attempting to stop an epidemic, following their recent earthquake.

The Yellow Fever Vaccine is commonly given and well tolerated. There is an ongoing investigation with the CDC, WHO and PAHO to determine what the problem is. Theories include: a problem with the vaccine itself, a problem with the people who died (their bodies had a personal bad reaction to the vaccine) or a combination of the two.

The specific make of vaccine that is implicated is produced in Brazil and widely used in areas where YF is endemic. The Vaccine for YF, used in America, is from a different manufacturer. The batch of vaccines that is linked to the deaths has already been removed from use.

See some more about yellow fever and vaccines over at Adventure Doc and the travel health page