By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant expansion of its public health initiatives, Costa Rica will begin administering the yellow fever vaccine through its national social security system starting December 2nd. The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) announced this strategic move to safeguard the population and travelers against potential outbreaks of the disease, which is prevalent in tropical regions of South America and Africa.
Initially, the vaccination will be mandatory exclusively for individuals traveling to Colombia. This specific requirement, established under a directive from the Ministry of Health, is slated to remain in effect through February 2026. This targeted approach suggests a proactive measure to mitigate risks associated with one of the region’s key travel hubs, reflecting a responsive and data-driven public health policy.
To delve into the legal framework surrounding mandatory vaccinations for international travel and the implications for public health policy in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The requirement of the Yellow Fever vaccine is a clear exercise of state sovereignty aimed at protecting collective public health. While individual liberties are paramount, they can be lawfully regulated when facing a verifiable epidemiological risk. For travelers, this serves as a critical reminder that compliance with a destination’s sanitary regulations is not merely a suggestion, but a legally enforceable prerequisite for entry.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal framework provides crucial clarity, framing the vaccine requirement not as a mere travel inconvenience, but as a legitimate and necessary exercise of national sovereignty to protect collective well-being. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful contribution to this important public health discussion.
The program underscores a robust preventive health strategy, aiming to build a protective barrier against a disease not endemic to Costa Rica but which poses a constant importation risk due to global travel. By integrating the vaccine into its public framework, the country reinforces its commitment to national and international health security.
Vaccination is our most efficient and equitable investment for the well-being of the population… Faced with this threat, our best defense is prevention.
Mónica Taylor Hernández, Executive President of the CCSS
Logistically, the rollout will commence in 23 designated health areas across the country. The CCSS has clarified that individuals are not restricted to their assigned health center (EBAIS) and may seek vaccination at any of the participating locations, contingent on dose availability. To ensure the vaccine’s efficacy, it must be administered at least 10 days prior to the travel date. Travelers are required to present a valid form of identification and their airline ticket to receive the shot.
The primary target demographic for this initiative includes both Costa Rican citizens and residents aged between 9 months and 60 years. However, the CCSS has outlined protocols for special cases. Infants between six and nine months, pregnant or nursing mothers, and adults over the age of 60 may receive the vaccine, but only following a specific medical evaluation and approval, ensuring patient safety remains paramount.
In a move towards digital efficiency, the process for obtaining the necessary international certification has been streamlined between government bodies. While the CCSS will be responsible for administering the vaccine, it will not issue the physical certificates. Instead, the Ministry of Health will validate and generate the international certificates, which travelers can then conveniently download through the official EDUS mobile application, a central platform for Costa Rica’s digital health records.
To support the public during this rollout, the CCSS has launched a dedicated informational microsite. This online portal will serve as the primary source for updated information, including the specific schedules and a complete list of the 23 activated vaccination centers. This resource is designed to provide clarity and facilitate access for all eligible individuals seeking to comply with the new travel requirement or simply protect their health.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, universally known as the CCSS or “La Caja,” is the cornerstone of Costa Rica’s public health system. It is an autonomous government institution responsible for providing comprehensive universal healthcare and administering the nation’s pension system. Founded in 1941, it manages a vast network of hospitals, clinics (EBAIS), and medical centers, guaranteeing access to medical services for the majority of the country’s population.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About The Ministry of Health of Costa Rica:
The Ministerio de Salud is the government body responsible for setting public health policy, regulating the healthcare sector, and overseeing national epidemiological surveillance in Costa Rica. It plays a critical role in disease prevention, health promotion, and ensuring the quality and safety of health services, food, and medicine. The Ministry works in close coordination with the CCSS and other institutions to protect and improve the health and well-being of all inhabitants of the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a profound dedication to principled practice and professional distinction. The firm channels its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele into pioneering forward-thinking legal solutions. Central to its ethos is a powerful commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated by its efforts to demystify complex legal knowledge for the public. This initiative is fundamental to its mission of cultivating a stronger, more capable community equipped with essential legal awareness.
