Rise in Yellow Fever vaccine usage at Daga Hospital

 

 

There is a constant rise in the usage of Yellow Fever vaccine at Daga Hospital. This year the number of users reached 600 till May 2025. With this speed it may cross even 800. With international travel on the rise, particularly to Africa and South America, Daga Memorial Government Women and Children Hospital has emerged as a vital vaccination hub for ‘Yellow Fever’ in Vidarbha. The hospital remains the only Government-authorised centre in the region offering the mandatory yellow fever vaccine at a highly subsidised rate of Rs 300 a stark contrast to the Rs 10,000–12,000 charged at private clinics. If we compare the data of the last five years, then the number of users was lowest in 2019-20 when the country had the coronavirus pandemic.

 

In 2019-20, the number of users was 41; it rose to 42 in 2020-21. After the end of the pandemic, there is a three-fold jump in users as 126 people availed the benefit. In 2022-23 the number of users was 288; in 2023-24, the number was 489; and in 2024-25, the number of users increased to 667. Dr Dilip Madavi, Medical Superintendent of Daga Hospital, said, “Till now, about 600 people have taken the vaccine this year. The vaccination facility at Daga has been beneficial to hundreds of travellers who earlier had to travel all the way to Mumbai or Pune to get the shot. Now, they can access it right here in the city.”

 

The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory under international visa regulations for Indian nationals travelling to Kenya, parts of Africa, and South America, where the viral disease is prevalent. Yellow fever is a serious mosquito-borne viral infection. The World Health Organisation mandates yellow fever vaccination as a key preventive measure since the disease has no specific treatment and can turn life-threatening in severe cases, causing liver failure and internal bleeding. Until a few years ago, the vaccine was only available at selected Government centres in Mumbai and Pune. However, since 2017, the State Government has designated Daga Hospital as the official yellow fever vaccination centre for the Vidarbha region.

 

With approximately 600 individuals vaccinated already in 2025, the demand is expected to continue as global travel restrictions ease. Dr Madavi added, “Those interested in taking the vaccine can register every Thursday, and the shot is administered on Friday post 2 pm. Prior registration is compulsory.” With affordability, accessibility, and growing awareness, Daga Hospital continues to play a critical role in public health preparedness for international travellers from central India.