Efficacy and duration of immunity after yellow fever vaccination: systematic review on the need for a booster every 10 years

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2013 Sep;89(3):434-44. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0264.

Abstract

Abstract. Current regulations stipulate a yellow fever (YF) booster every 10 years. We conducted a systematic review of the protective efficacy and duration of immunity of YF vaccine in residents of disease-endemic areas and in travelers to assess the need for a booster in these two settings and in selected populations (human immunodeficiency virus-infected persons, infants, children, pregnant women, and severely malnourished persons). Thirty-six studies and 22 reports were included. We identified 12 studies of immunogenicity, 8 of duration of immunity, 8 of vaccine response in infants and children, 7 of human-immunodeficiency virus-infected persons, 2 of pregnant women, and 1 of severely malnourished children. Based on currently available data, a single dose of YF vaccine is highly immunogenic and confers sustained life-long protective immunity against YF. Therefore, a booster dose of YF vaccine is not needed. Special considerations for selected populations are detailed.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibody Formation
  • Humans
  • Immunity / immunology
  • Immunization, Secondary*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk Factors
  • Vaccination / methods*
  • Yellow Fever / immunology
  • Yellow Fever / prevention & control*
  • Yellow Fever Vaccine / administration & dosage*
  • Yellow Fever Vaccine / immunology
  • Yellow fever virus

Substances

  • Yellow Fever Vaccine