Costa Rica extends deadline for mandatory vaccination against yellow fever

QCOSTARICA — In order for Costa Ricans and residents to be protected against yellow fever and to be able to enjoy their trips outside the country in peace, the Ministry of Health announced that this vaccine will be applied free of charge.

This is also a strategy to address the shortage of the vaccine in the country.

“Since there is no yellow fever vaccine, we are managing a purchase with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) and the PAHO,” said the Minister of Health and Vice President, Mary Munive.

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Dates of the “Christmas vaccination”

According to the ministry, the free vaccination will take place on 2 days, Thursday, December 26, and Friday, December 27.

Who can get it?

The government established 3 priority lines for vaccination:

Sports delegations
People traveling abroad
Anyone who wants to get vaccinated

“It will be a gift precisely because of this shortage where unfortunately there is none in stock, and we cannot fail to comply with the population that is going to leave the country,” Munive explained.

In addition, the Minister indicated that at the “Christmas vaccination,” there will be personnel from the Ministry of Health to provide information on indications and contraindications of the vaccine.

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International certification

In addition to providing the vaccine, the Ministry of Health will be responsible for issuing the international vaccination certification directly at the vaccination site itself.

This certificate will be integrated into the National Vaccination System, thus avoiding additional procedures in governing areas.

In this way, people will be able to obtain vaccination and certification quickly and efficiently.
Extension

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Another measure taken by the government after the lack of vaccines in the country is that the start date of the mandatory vaccination for traveling to countries considered at risk of yellow fever transmission was extended.

The date was thus moved from January 11 to February 11, 2025, allowing Costa Ricans and foreigner residents to process their documents with more time.

“The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor market behavior and will be managing other collateral actions with the aim of safeguarding the health of the population,” the ministry added.

Which countries are at risk of yellow fever and require the Certificado Internacional de la Vacuna contra la Fiebre Amarilla (CIV), issued 10 days prior to arrival, to re-enter Costa Rica?

South American countries: