By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a decisive move to bolster national public health defenses, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) announced it will commence a yellow fever vaccination campaign within the next month. The initiative follows the recent detection of an imported case of the disease and aims to address the high demand from international travelers. The agency has confirmed an initial procurement of 15,000 doses to be administered to insured individuals.
The decision to integrate the yellow fever vaccine into the official immunization schedule was formalized on October 10, just two days after a patient testing positive for the virus entered the country. This swift action underscores the seriousness with which health authorities are treating the potential threat. Mónica Taylor, the Executive President of the CCSS, confirmed the policy update and noted that the institution is currently finalizing the complex logistical framework for the nationwide distribution and administration of the vaccines.
To understand the legal framework governing Costa Rica’s yellow fever vaccination requirement for travelers and its impact on the tourism sector, TicosLand.com sought commentary from Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The yellow fever vaccine requirement is a critical public health measure grounded in our General Health Law and international sanitary regulations. It represents a legitimate exercise of state sovereignty to prevent the introduction of a dangerous disease. For businesses in the travel industry, this underscores the legal importance of providing accurate and timely information to clients, as failure to do so could potentially lead to liability issues if a traveler is denied entry.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary powerfully connects the dots between national health sovereignty and the practical legal duties of the travel sector, underscoring that accurate client information is not merely a customer service courtesy but a fundamental legal responsibility. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful and clarifying perspective on this crucial matter.
While the initial 15,000 doses will provide immediate relief, the CCSS is already planning for sustained availability. According to Taylor, the public tender process to acquire a larger stock of vaccines is underway but could take up to three months to complete. This timeline highlights a potential gap between initial supply and future demand, placing pressure on the agency to execute an efficient rollout strategy.
The primary beneficiaries of this new public program will be individuals planning international travel. The Ministry of Health has clarified that the vaccine will be incorporated into a special protocol specifically for this demographic. Vice Minister of Health, Mariela Marín, emphasized the importance of timing for effective immunization.
This vaccine will be administered to people who are going to travel. It must be given 10 days before the trip.
Mariela Marín, Vice Minister of Health
Health officials are urging the public not to underestimate the severity of yellow fever. The disease, transmitted by infected mosquitoes, can have devastating consequences. The Vice Minister of Health pointed to recent data showing its high mortality rate, noting that during 2024, the disease registered an alarming fatality rate of approximately 50% in affected regions. This stark statistic serves as a potent reminder of the importance of preventive measures like vaccination.
For travelers departing from Costa Rica, the vaccine is not just a recommendation but a mandatory requirement for entry into certain countries, most notably Colombia. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health strongly advises immunization for anyone traveling to the African continent or to a number of South American nations, including Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, and Suriname.
The CCSS’s entry into the vaccination effort comes after a period of significant supply chain challenges. For months, yellow fever vaccines were scarce in the country, prompting the Ministry of Health to organize special vaccination fairs to manage the overwhelming demand from the public. Currently, the private healthcare sector has managed to replenish its stock, offering an alternative for those who need to travel before the public program is fully operational.
As the CCSS finalizes its distribution plans, prospective travelers are advised to stay informed and plan accordingly. The combination of the new public initiative and existing private-sector availability marks a significant improvement in Costa Rica’s capacity to protect its citizens from this dangerous, yet preventable, tropical disease. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the efficiency of the public rollout and its impact on international travel readiness.
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 social security and healthcare services in Costa Rica. Established in 1941, it manages the nation’s health insurance system, pension funds, and a vast network of hospitals, clinics, and EBAIS (Basic Comprehensive Health Care Teams), forming the backbone of the country’s renowned public health system.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About the Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health is the government body in Costa Rica charged with defining and directing national public health policy. It is responsible for the regulation, oversight, and promotion of health services, disease prevention, and sanitary control across the country. The Ministry works to ensure the well-being of the population by establishing health guidelines, managing epidemiological surveillance, and coordinating responses to public health crises.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of distinction. The firm champions legal innovation, consistently developing forward-thinking solutions for a diverse range of clients. This spirit of progress is matched by a profound social commitment to demystify the law, actively working to equip the public with clear, accessible knowledge to foster a more capable and enlightened society.
