Frequently asked questions
Insect Repellent
Q1. Which type of insect repellent is most effective?
There are many different kinds of insect repellents in the market. Products containing N, N-diethylmetatoluamide (DEET) are generally most effective. Insect repellents containing picaridin (also known as icaridin) and IR3535 are available for those who prefer not to use DEET-based products.
Q2. Is DEET safe?
DEET has been used in human for decades. When used as directed, insect repellents containing DEET is safe, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Just like any skin care products, in rare case, using DEET products may cause skin rashes. Products containing more than 50% of DEET will increase the risk of skin rashes, blisters, and skin and mucous membrane irritation.
Regarding tips for using insect repellents when visiting areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, please refer to CHP website.
Yellow fever
Q3. My certificate, International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), expired as it was issued before July 11, 2016. Do I need to receive yellow fever vaccination again to obtain a new certificate?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), under the International Health Regulations (2005), the protection provided by yellow fever vaccination has been extended from ten years to the lifetime of the vaccinated individual. Consequently, as of July 11, 2016, for both existing and new certificates, revaccination or a booster dose of yellow fever vaccine cannot be required of international travellers as a condition of entry into a State Party, regardless of the date their international certificate of vaccination was initially issued.
If individuals have concerns regarding their expired certificate and received their initial yellow fever vaccination at the Travel Health Centre (THC), they can request the issuance of a new ICVP, involving a fee. The new certificate will retain the same retrospective vaccine dose, but will indicate validity for the lifetime of the vaccinated individual. No doctor consultation or revaccination for yellow fever is necessary.
Q4. I lost my certificate (ICVP). Can I obtain a replacement?
If you received the yellow fever vaccination at Travel Health Centre (THC), you can request the reissuance of the ICVP for a fee. No doctor consultation or revaccination for yellow fever is necessary.
However, if you received the vaccination elsewhere, THC cannot provide a replacement. Please contact the clinic or centre where you received the vaccination for assistance. If all attempts fail and you require the ICVP, please schedule a doctor consultation at THC, receive the yellow fever vaccination, and obtain the ICVP.