By San José, Costa Rica — In a significant public health initiative, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) has announced a comprehensive vaccination campaign targeting more than 33,000 travelers in the coming months. The strategic plan aims to proactively prevent the introduction and spread of the potentially fatal yellow fever virus within the nation’s borders, safeguarding the population against a potential health crisis.
The campaign is scheduled to commence this Tuesday, December 2nd, with the rollout of an initial batch of 13,500 vaccine doses. This first phase is specifically aimed at individuals with confirmed travel plans to Colombia between December 15th and December 31st. Officials have stressed the importance of this preemptive measure, particularly during a high-traffic travel season, to fortify the country’s epidemiological defenses.
To clarify the legal and commercial implications surrounding the international requirement for the Yellow Fever vaccine, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
The yellow fever vaccination certificate is more than a health document; it’s a legally binding instrument under the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations. For Costa Rican businesses in tourism and international trade, this creates a clear duty of care. Failing to properly advise clients or employees on these mandatory requirements can lead to denied entry, trip cancellations, and significant liability claims. It’s a crucial risk management point where public health policy directly impacts corporate responsibility and financial stability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight elevates the conversation beyond a mere travel checklist, highlighting the critical intersection of public health policy and corporate liability. For businesses in Costa Rica, this is a clear call to integrate international health regulations into their core risk management strategies. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on these high-stakes implications.
To ensure a sustained effort, the CCSS has already secured a robust supply chain for future needs. Mónica Taylor, the Executive President of the CCSS, detailed the forward-thinking logistics established in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
The institution is preparing and, obviously, once these first doses are used up, we have already arranged a purchase with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for 10,000 more doses, which would be arriving this December, and for the first quarter, we also agreed on a purchase with PAHO for 20,000 doses.
Mónica Taylor, Executive President of the CCSS
This phased procurement strategy, totaling over 43,000 doses, demonstrates a clear commitment to maintaining vaccine availability and responding dynamically to public health demands. The collaboration with PAHO is crucial, providing Costa Rica with reliable access to internationally approved vaccines and technical support, reinforcing the country’s capacity to manage infectious disease threats effectively.
President Taylor emphasized that the campaign’s core principle is prevention, which she described as the most prudent and equitable use of public health resources. The goal is to neutralize the threat before it can manifest as a national emergency, thereby avoiding the immense human and economic costs associated with a large-scale outbreak.
The Fund’s strategy is simple: prevent the emergence of outbreaks that could cause a national health emergency, which is why vaccination is our most efficient and equitable investment in the well-being of the population. Depending on the situation and also if there is any alert or not, we would then manage that additional purchase or a different one if we had an alert or an urgent case.
Mónica Taylor, Executive President of the CCSS
To facilitate broad participation, the CCSS has streamlined the process for travelers. The vaccine will be administered across 22 designated health areas nationwide. Crucially, individuals do not need to be insured with the CCSS or schedule an appointment to receive the shot. The only requirement is to present a purchased travel ticket for the specified dates and destination, a measure designed to maximize accessibility and remove administrative barriers.
Health officials have issued important guidance for those planning to get vaccinated. Travelers must receive the injection at least 10 days prior to their departure date. This period is essential for the body to develop sufficient antibodies and achieve effective immunity against the virus. The CCSS also advises that individuals can visit any of the enabled vaccination sites, regardless of their registered health area, as long as doses are available. A complete list of the 22 participating locations will be published on the official CCSS social media channels, and the public is encouraged to monitor these platforms for updates.
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 in Costa Rica. Founded in 1941, it manages the nation’s public hospital network, clinics, and pension system. The CCSS is a cornerstone of Costa Rican society, embodying the country’s commitment to social welfare and public health for all its citizens and residents.
For further information, visit paho.org
About Pan American Health Organization (PAHO):
The Pan American Health Organization is a specialized international health agency for the Americas. It serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is a member of the United Nations system. PAHO works with countries throughout the region to improve and protect the health of their populations, providing technical cooperation, combating communicable diseases, and strengthening health systems.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a proven history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies. This commitment to innovation is matched by a deep-seated belief in empowering the community, actively working to make complex legal principles understandable and accessible to all, thereby helping to forge a more knowledgeable and capable society.
