By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) has announced a swift and large-scale yellow fever vaccination campaign beginning this Tuesday, December 2nd. The initiative is strategically timed to serve residents planning to travel to Colombia between December 16th and 31st, a period of high travel volume for holidays and family visits. This public health mobilization underscores the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and ensuring compliance with international health regulations.
In a move designed to maximize accessibility and reduce barriers, the CCSS has streamlined the process for receiving the vaccine. Citizens will not be required to schedule an appointment in advance, nor do they need to be registered with the specific health clinic (Área de Salud) they visit. The sole prerequisite for immunization is proof of imminent travel, which must be presented in the form of a flight ticket or an official travel confirmation for the specified dates.
To understand the legal responsibilities and implications surrounding the yellow fever vaccine requirement for international travelers, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The requirement for a yellow fever vaccine certificate is a clear exercise of a nation’s sovereign right to protect public health, a principle well-established in international law. For airlines and travel agencies, this is not a simple recommendation but a binding legal obligation. Failure to verify this documentation before boarding can result in significant financial penalties and operational disruptions, shifting the liability directly onto the transport provider for failing to comply with the destination country’s entry requirements.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective critically highlights that the vaccine requirement is not merely a health recommendation for the traveler but a binding obligation with significant financial and operational stakes for the entire travel industry. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into the framework of liability and national sovereignty that governs these essential public health measures.
The campaign’s logistics have been carefully structured to facilitate broad access across the country, ensuring that travelers from all regions can obtain the necessary immunization before their departure. Ana Yessica Navarro of the CCSS Medical Management team emphasized the clear and direct requirements for the program.
The vaccine will be given only to those who have an upcoming trip and present their ticket or travel confirmation. It is not necessary to be registered with the health area where the dose is requested.
Ana Yessica Navarro, CCSS Medical Management
From a supply chain perspective, the CCSS has secured a significant number of doses to meet the anticipated demand. Esteban Vega, the institution’s Logistics Manager, detailed the inventory and reinforcement plan, highlighting a multi-stage procurement strategy to sustain the effort into the new year. This proactive approach to vaccine logistics is critical for the campaign’s success.
The institution currently has 13,500 doses, which will be distributed among the 22 selected areas. The arrival of an additional 10,000 doses is expected this coming December 9, and during the first quarter of 2026, another 20,000 vaccines will be received.
Esteban Vega, Logistics Manager
The vaccination schedule is extensive, with clinics operating in all seven provinces. In the Greater Metropolitan Area, locations include a special post at Cuidad Toyota in La Uruca on Saturday, December 6th, and recurring Wednesday clinics in areas like Mata Redonda, Zapote, and Desamparados. Additional sites in the Central Valley include the Salón Parroquial in Grecia on December 9th and 10th, and Plaza Real in Alajuela on December 10th.
Coastal and border communities are also a key focus of the rollout. In the Pacific, clinics will be active in San Rafael and Garabito starting this week. The Chorotega region will see one-day campaigns in Liberia, Santa Cruz, and Cañas on December 3rd. For residents in the Atlantic region, Limón’s central health clinic will offer vaccinations on weekdays, while Guápiles will provide them on Mondays and Thursdays. The Brunca region will have posts in Pérez Zeledón and Paso Canoas to serve the southern population.
The requirement for this vaccine is not merely a suggestion but a mandatory entry requirement for travelers heading to Colombia. Beyond this, Costa Rican health authorities strongly recommend the shot for individuals visiting other South American nations such as Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Venezuela, as well as any country in Africa. Yellow fever is a serious viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, with symptoms ranging from fever and muscle pain to severe complications like jaundice, internal bleeding, and organ failure.
Given the potential severity of the illness and the strict international travel regulations, the CCSS is urging all eligible travelers to take advantage of this campaign. The “no appointment necessary” policy and the widespread availability of clinics are designed to ensure that every traveler can protect their health and proceed with their holiday plans without interruption. Citizens are advised to visit the designated locations during the specified hours to secure their immunization promptly.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social is the public institution responsible for providing universal healthcare and social security services to the population of Costa Rica. Founded in 1941, it manages the nation’s network of hospitals, clinics, and EBAIS (Basic Teams of Comprehensive Health Care), forming the backbone of the country’s renowned public health system. The CCSS is in charge of health promotion, disease prevention, and medical treatment for insured citizens and residents.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm is distinguished by its forward-thinking ethos, consistently applying innovative strategies to guide its diverse clientele. Central to its mission is a deep-seated commitment to empowering the broader community, championing the belief that accessible legal knowledge is fundamental to building a more informed and capable society.
