Yellow fever vaccinations up 11% in Hyderabad: Surge linked to growing international travel

HYDERABAD: In a sign of Hyderabad's growing interest for international travel, the Institute of Preventive Medicine (IPM) has recorded a notable 11% rise in yellow fever vaccinations over the past year.

The institute administered 8,290 doses this year, up from 7,465 in the previous year.

This increase is largely driven by more residents heading to countries in South America, where yellow fever vaccination is mandatory.

The highest demand was seen between July and September, which typically marks peak travel season."Over the last two years, we've seen more travellers opting to get vaccinated in Hyderabad rather than going to other cities.

To meet this growing demand, we've increased our stock of vials and are preparing for even higher numbers in the coming years," said a senior IPM official.Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease found in parts of Africa and South America. While India is not a yellow fever-endemic country, its climatic conditions and presence of mosquito carriers make it vulnerable. As a result, travellers arriving from or transiting through yellow fever-risk zones are often required to show proof of vaccination.

"The vaccine must be taken at least 10 days before travel and only at an authorised yellow fever vaccination centre," the official added. "Upon vaccination, travellers receive an International Certificate of Vaccination, which is essential for entry into many countries. A booster dose is advised every 10 years for those frequently travelling to high-risk regions."