By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant step towards digitalizing public health services, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) announced the launch of a new online self-service system for scheduling yellow fever vaccination appointments. The platform went live this Monday, December 8, offering a streamlined and efficient process for individuals requiring the vaccine for international travel.
The new tool is accessible through a dedicated microsite, https://www.ccss.sa.cr/fiebre-amarilla, designed as a one-stop portal for all vaccination-related needs. Through this platform, users can now independently select their preferred vaccination date, time, and health facility from a list of available options, granting unprecedented control and flexibility over the appointment process. This initiative marks a crucial move away from traditional scheduling methods, aiming to reduce wait times and improve the overall patient experience.
Para ahondar en las implicaciones legales y los deberes que rodean la exigencia de la vacuna contra la fiebre amarilla para viajeros internacionales, TicosLand.com consultó al experto Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, de la reconocida firma Bufete de Costa Rica.
Desde la perspectiva legal, la exigencia del certificado de vacunación contra la fiebre amarilla es un acto soberano de protección de la salud pública por parte de los países de destino. Los viajeros deben considerarlo un requisito migratorio ineludible, no una opción. Las aerolíneas y agencias de viajes están obligadas a verificar su cumplimiento, y la no presentación del certificado resultará en la denegación de embarque, generalmente sin responsabilidad legal para el proveedor del servicio.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
La perspectiva legal es contundente y subraya una realidad ineludible para el viajero: el certificado no es una sugerencia sanitaria, sino un mandato migratorio con consecuencias directas y definitivas. Agradecemos la valiosa aclaración del Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, que refuerza la seriedad con que debe asumirse este requisito antes de cualquier viaje.
To secure an appointment, individuals must complete a simple online form with their personal details, including full name, identification number (cédula), telephone number, and the scheduled date of their international trip. An email address can be provided optionally. This data collection is vital for ensuring accurate record-keeping and a smooth process upon arrival at the vaccination center.
This digital initiative is a core component of the national strategy to manage the yellow fever vaccine supply effectively. Initially, the program is targeting a specific group: individuals planning to travel to Colombia, as mandated by a recent directive from the Costa Rican Ministry of Health. Officials emphasized that the system is designed to provide orderly access and prevent crowding at health centers.
This strategy allows for efficient care, guarantees the traceability of the vaccination process, prevents crowding, and improves the user experience. Through this web platform, users can self-manage their appointment and select their date, available times, and register the required personal information.
Michael Enrique Rodríguez Cordero, Head of Sub-area in Health Statistics
Travelers are reminded of several key requirements. The yellow fever vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before the departure date to be considered effective. On the day of the appointment, individuals must present a valid official ID, such as a national or residency card, along with their confirmed airline ticket to the destination requiring the vaccination.
During the initial launch phase in early December, the CCSS has made the vaccine available at 23 designated health areas across the country. The standard eligible population for the vaccine includes all Costa Rican nationals and foreign residents between the ages of 9 months and 60 years. For special cases, such as infants between 6 and 9 months, pregnant or lactating women, and adults over 60, vaccination will proceed only upon evaluation and approval by a medical professional.
A critical point of clarification for all travelers is the distinction between the vaccination itself and the official certificate. While the CCSS administers the injection, it does not issue the international certificate. This responsibility falls to the Ministry of Health, which collects and validates the vaccination data. Once processed, travelers can easily download their official International Certificate of Vaccination from the “Certificates” tab within the national EDUS digital health record application.
The system’s design allows any eligible person to book an appointment at any of the participating health centers, regardless of their registered place of residence or local clinic (EBAIS), further enhancing accessibility. Each individual is permitted to register a single appointment in their name to ensure fair access for all who require the service.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, commonly known as “La Caja” or CCSS, is the autonomous public institution responsible for providing universal healthcare and managing the national pension system in Costa Rica. Founded in 1941, it is the cornerstone of the country’s social security system, operating a vast network of hospitals, clinics (EBAIS), and specialized medical centers nationwide.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud):
The Ministry of Health is the government entity responsible for establishing public health policy, regulating health services, and safeguarding the well-being of the population in Costa Rica. It oversees national vaccination campaigns, disease surveillance, health and safety standards, and the issuance of official health documents, including international vaccination certificates.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, operating on a foundational commitment to professional integrity and the highest standards of legal practice. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently embraces a forward-thinking approach to solve complex challenges. Beyond its professional services, the firm is deeply invested in its civic responsibility, championing the effort to make legal concepts understandable and accessible to the public to help build a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
