Yellow fever is a serious viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. As an endemic country, Ghana mandates that travelers present proof of immunization upon entry to prevent the spread of this illness. Understanding the documentation and costs associated with this requirement is important for anyone planning to visit or reside in the country. This guide details the necessary steps for compliance and provides specific cost estimates for obtaining the required vaccination within Ghana.
Entry Requirements and the Yellow Card
Ghana strictly enforces the International Health Regulations (IHR) and requires almost all travelers over nine months of age to show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination upon arrival. This proof must be documented on the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), often referred to as the “Yellow Card.” The ICVP serves as the official, internationally accepted record of immunization.
The vaccine must be administered at least ten days before entering the country for the certificate to be considered valid by port health officials. This 10-day period allows the body time to build adequate protective immunity. Travelers arriving at major entry points, such as Kotoka International Airport (ACC), without a valid ICVP risk significant travel disruption.
Travelers arriving without valid documentation may be required to receive the vaccination immediately upon arrival at the airport’s health post. This on-arrival vaccination is administered at the traveler’s expense and can result in delays or, in some cases, refusal of entry. Securing the vaccination and the official Yellow Card before travel is the most reliable course of action.
Understanding the Vaccine Cost in Ghana
The price of the Yellow Fever vaccine in Ghana varies significantly depending on the type of facility providing the service. Costs are typically lowest at government-run public health centers and highest at private clinics or specialized international travel centers. Prices are commonly quoted in Ghanaian Cedi (GHS), but facilities catering to international travelers may quote in US Dollars (USD).
At major public hospitals, such as the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the cost for the vaccination was approximately GHC 70 as of early 2024. While these government facilities offer the most affordable option, they may involve longer wait times and more complex administrative processes. This lower cost reflects a government subsidy to make the vaccine accessible.
Private medical clinics generally charge a higher rate for the vaccination, reflecting the convenience of faster service and reduced bureaucracy. Prices in these private facilities were around GHC 200. For travelers needing the shot immediately upon arrival, port health facilities, like the Ghana Airport Clinic, have charged approximately $20. Travelers forced to take the shot at the airport due to non-compliance may face a higher fee, sometimes cited as a minimum of $50.
Vaccination Site Options and Dose Longevity
The Yellow Fever vaccine is available at various authorized medical centers within Ghana, providing options for both residents and travelers. The most common public options include all Regional hospitals, which are equipped and authorized to dispense the vaccine and issue the ICVP. Travelers can also utilize specialized port health facilities located at major points of entry, such as the airport clinic.
Many private hospitals and clinics are also registered as authorized Yellow Fever vaccination centers, offering an alternative for those prioritizing speed and convenience. Regardless of the location chosen, the facility must be officially accredited to issue the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. This accreditation confirms the vaccination’s validity for international travel purposes, and the official Yellow Card is the only document accepted for entry.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that a single dose of the Yellow Fever vaccine provides lifelong protection for most individuals. Consequently, the requirement for a booster dose every ten years was officially removed from the International Health Regulations in 2016. Once a traveler receives the vaccine and obtains the ICVP, the card remains valid for the duration of their life, eliminating the need for future re-vaccination to meet entry requirements.