With the list of travellers waiting for the yellow fever vaccine growing longer by the day, the Central government has now started a new centre in Mumbai to offer the facility. It is mandatory to take yellow fever vaccine before travelling to several countries, including South America and African countries.
The new centre is located on the premises of the Family Welfare Training and Research Centre in Khetwadi's Parekh building. Dr B D Athani, special director general, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, will inaugurate the centre on Friday. "Currently, the facility at the new centre will be available on Wednesday and Friday. If the demand increases, we will definitely add more days," said Dr Deepak Raut, director of the Family Welfare Training and Research Centre.
At present, three centres are providing the vaccine in the city – Sir JJ group of hospitals, Airport Health Organisation and a centre in Colaba.
Healthcare worker Shehjad Vora, who recently visited Nairobi, said, "There is a need for more such centres. This is a good news for all those who want to travel to African countries."
Talking to dna, Dr Raut said, "There is a huge workload on the existing centres. People have to wait a long time for the vaccine. Travellers must take the vaccine at least 10 days ahead of the trip. After receiving the vaccine, the centre provides a certificate, which the travellers have to keep with them during the trip."
What is yellow fever
According to the Centre for Disease Control, yellow fever is caused by a virus that spreads through mosquito bites. Symptoms take 3–6 days to develop and include fever, chills, headache, backache and muscle-ache. Nearly 15% of people who contract yellow fever go on to develop serious illness, including bleeding, shock, organ failure, and even death. Travellers to certain parts of South America and Africa are at a greater risk for yellow fever.
