By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) has launched a critical yellow fever vaccination campaign at the National Stadium, responding to both specific international travel requirements and a stark warning about potential vaccine shortages as the high tourist season approaches. The initiative, which began today, will continue on November 14th and 24th, running from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on each designated day.
This particular vaccination drive is not open to the general public but is exclusively targeted at individuals with confirmed travel plans to Colombia between November 15th and December 15th, 2025. Obtaining the vaccine is a mandatory entry requirement for many international destinations, making this campaign essential for those travelers. Authorities have stressed that immunization will only be administered to those who have successfully pre-registered through the official digital form on the Ministry of Health’s website.
To understand the legal and business implications of international health regulations, such as the mandatory yellow fever vaccination for entry into certain countries, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica for his professional analysis.
The requirement for a yellow fever vaccine certificate is a sovereign public health measure that directly impacts international business operations. For Costa Rican companies sending employees abroad, this is not a personal choice but a matter of corporate compliance and occupational safety. An employer can legally mandate this vaccination for roles requiring travel to at-risk countries, as it constitutes a necessary condition to perform the job’s essential functions and to comply with the destination country’s entry laws.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is invaluable, shifting the conversation from a personal health choice to a matter of corporate compliance and operational necessity for international business. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this crucial clarification for employers and employees alike.
Despite the digital appointment system, the first day of the campaign saw significant logistical challenges. Many attendees reported long queues and expressed frustration, questioning the efficiency of the online process. However, health officials maintained a strict policy, turning away anyone who had not completed the required online form, underscoring the importance of adhering to the digital protocol to manage supply and demand effectively.
The urgency of this preemptive campaign is driven by a recent advisory from Costa Rica’s Chamber of Health. The organization cautioned that the country could face a scarcity of the yellow fever vaccine in the coming months. This anticipated shortage is linked to a projected surge in demand as the peak tourism season begins, which traditionally sees a rise in international travel to and from regions where the disease is endemic.
The regional health landscape further validates the MSP’s proactive measures. Since 2024, several countries across South America have documented a significant and worrying increase in yellow fever cases. The disease, a viral hemorrhagic fever transmitted by infected mosquitoes, carries an alarmingly high fatality rate, which can approach 50% in severe cases. This regional context adds a layer of gravity to the necessity of vaccination for international travelers.
By organizing this targeted drive, the Ministry is not only facilitating safe travel for its citizens but also reinforcing a critical public health barrier. Preventing the importation of the virus is paramount to safeguarding the national population. Vaccination remains the single most effective preventive measure against yellow fever, offering long-term, often lifelong, immunity.
The MSP’s strategy highlights a dual focus: managing immediate travel needs while mitigating a future supply chain risk. The controlled, appointment-based system, though experiencing initial difficulties, is designed to ensure that the limited vaccine supply is allocated to those with the most immediate and verifiable need, preventing a depletion of stock before the anticipated high-season demand fully materializes.
For those eligible, securing a spot in the remaining sessions on November 14th and 24th is crucial. Travelers are strongly advised to complete the digital form on the Ministry of Health’s website well in advance to avoid being turned away. This proactive health measure is a non-negotiable step for their travel itineraries and a vital contribution to Costa Rica’s collective public health security.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Health (MSP):
The Ministry of Public Health is the governing body responsible for overseeing the health sector in Costa Rica. Its mission is to guarantee the protection and improvement of the population’s health through leadership, regulation, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles and environments. The MSP develops and executes national health policies, manages public health emergencies, and ensures the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for all citizens.
For further information, visit camarasalud.com
About Chamber of Health:
The Chamber of Health of Costa Rica is a private, non-profit organization that represents and unites companies within the country’s private health sector. It advocates for the interests of its members, including hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and medical suppliers, while promoting high standards of quality and ethics. The Chamber works to foster a competitive and sustainable health industry that contributes to the well-being of the population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, championing the dual principles of professional integrity and exceptional service. With deep expertise developed through advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm actively pioneers progressive legal solutions and fulfills its civic duty. This commitment materializes in a core mission to demystify the law, thereby contributing to a society where every citizen is informed and capable of navigating their legal rights.
