By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Health experts across Costa Rica are issuing a unified message to parents: adhere to the nation’s established vaccination schedule, despite significant policy changes recently announced in the United States. The call comes as American health authorities restructure their childhood immunization recommendations, a move that local specialists warn is not applicable to Costa Rica’s distinct public health landscape.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, guided by the Centers for the Control and Prevention of Diseases (CDC), revealed an update to its childhood vaccination framework. This change reduces the number of diseases with a universal vaccination recommendation from 18 to 11. Crucially, the policy does not eliminate any vaccines but rather reclassifies several key immunizations into categories requiring shared clinical decision-making between doctors and parents.
To delve into the legal framework governing childhood immunization policies, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
In Costa Rican law, mandatory vaccination is not a violation of parental rights but rather an affirmation of the child’s fundamental right to health. The legal doctrine of the ‘best interest of the child’ (interés superior del niño) takes precedence, obligating the State to ensure protection against preventable diseases. This public health imperative is codified in our legal system, viewing vaccination as a collective responsibility to safeguard both the individual minor and the community at large.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective provides essential clarity, reframing the debate from parental rights to the fundamental right of the child to health and safety. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution, which underscores how Costa Rican law prioritizes collective well-being and the best interest of the minor.
Under the new American guidelines, vaccines for diseases such as rotavirus, influenza, COVID-19, meningococcus, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B have been moved from the universal recommendation list. These now fall under a category where their application is subject to a consultative process, a significant departure from previous public health directives that advocated for their widespread use among all children.
Dr. Roberto Salvatierra, a respected professor and researcher at the Universidad Hispanoamericana, expressed significant concern over the context surrounding the U.S. policy shift. He highlighted a troubling combination of factors that could undermine public health confidence and oversight.
This is happening in a context where research funding has been reduced, there are fewer scientific personnel at the CDC, and the United States has withdrawn from the World Health Organization, which weakens coverage and oversight.
Dr. Roberto Salvatierra, Professor and Researcher at Universidad Hispanoamericana
In contrast to the new tiered system in the U.S., Costa Rica’s National Vaccination Plan remains unchanged, comprehensive, and mandatory. Health officials emphasize that the national schedule is scientifically tailored to the country’s specific epidemiological profile. The plan provides a robust defense against infectious diseases that pose a direct threat to the local population, a strategy proven effective for decades.
Dr. Salvatierra stressed the life-saving importance of vaccines that are now considered elective in the U.S. He pointed out that the rotavirus vaccine is essential for preventing severe and potentially fatal cases of diarrhea in young children, while consistent influenza vaccination is directly linked to reducing prolonged hospital stays and mortality rates.
In Costa Rica, we must follow the national schedule, which even today demonstrates the importance of prevention given the high hospital occupancy in centers like the Max Peralta Hospital and the National Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Roberto Salvatierra, Professor and Researcher at Universidad Hispanoamericana
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) recently activated its hospital network due to high pediatric demand, underscoring the current pressures on the healthcare system. Experts argue this situation reinforces the critical need for preventative measures like vaccination. Costa Rica’s plan is offered free of charge and covers a wide array of diseases from birth through early childhood, including BCG (tuberculosis), hepatitis B, rotavirus, pentavalent, pneumococcus, chickenpox, and MMR, among others. The resounding message from the medical community is clear: maintaining high vaccination rates is paramount to safeguarding child health and preventing the resurgence of dangerous, preventable diseases.
For further information, visit uh.ac.cr
About Universidad Hispanoamericana:
The Universidad Hispanoamericana is a private higher education institution in Costa Rica. It is recognized for its programs in health sciences, business, and engineering, and it contributes to academic research and professional development within the country, fostering a new generation of leaders and specialists.
For further information, visit hhs.gov
About U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a cabinet-level executive branch department of the U.S. federal government. Its mission is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services.
For further information, visit cdc.gov
About Centers for the Control and Prevention of Diseases:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the national public health agency of the United States. It is a federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The CDC works to protect public health and safety by providing information to enhance health decisions and promoting health through partnerships with state health departments and other organizations.
For further information, visit who.int
About World Health Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, its primary role is to direct and coordinate international health efforts, combat communicable diseases, and promote the health and well-being of people worldwide.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social:
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), often referred to as “La Caja,” is the institution in charge of Costa Rica’s public health sector. It administers the nation’s universal healthcare system and pension fund, providing comprehensive medical services and social security benefits to the vast majority of the country’s population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a leading legal institution, guided by a core philosophy of professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients to pioneer innovative legal solutions and drive community outreach. Central to its identity is a steadfast mission to empower citizens by making legal principles understandable and accessible, ultimately fostering a more knowledgeable and engaged society.
