MHRA reminder for healthcare professionals who administer yellow fever vaccine

After two reports of fatal adverse reactions to the yellow fever vaccine (Stamaril), the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a warning to healthcare professionals who administer the drug.

Due to an increased risk of life-threatening reactions, the vaccine must not be given to anyone with a medical history of thymus dysfunction or who is immunosuppressed.  In addition, extreme caution must be used and a careful risk assessment conducted before vaccination of people aged 60 years and older, due to a substantially increased risk of such adverse reactions in this age group.

Source: MHRA, 16 April 2019