As of January 11, 2025, a new reform will come into force that updates the risk areas for the transmission of yellow fever.
This implies the mandatory nature of vaccination against this disease for travelers from some countries in America and Africa.
It will be a necessary requirement to enter or leave the country. For this reason, the question arises: what should I do and how do I obtain the card?
The Observer spoke with Roberto Arroba, member of the Vaccination and Epidemiology Commission and official of the Ministry of Health, who explained fundamental points.
How many times should it be applied?
“This is a vaccine that is applied only once in a lifetime. It is requested that it be at least 10 days before the trip, because the body needs that time to generate antibodies,” Arroba explained.
According to the expert, yellow fever is a very serious disease, which is fatal in 50% of cases.
“A few years ago it was recommended every 10 years, but studies were able to show that a person spends 30 to 40 years with the antibodies that protect them,” he noted.
WATCH MORE: Health defends the requirement for a yellow fever vaccine for travelers: these are the exceptions and the countries with a requirement from January 2025
How do I prove that I have the vaccine?
The vaccine is only found in private pharmacies and hospitals; It is not applied by the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS).
At the time of applying it, the person is given a physical document with all the data, for example, ID number, passport, name, place of residence and signature of the medical representative.
“Once the person has that physical document, they must go to the governing area of the Ministry of Health that corresponds to them and apply for the card,” indicated the specialist.
“This is a procedure that can be almost immediate, but not in all cases, because the signature of the doctor in this area is needed. So, the recommendation is to do this procedure with enough time in case there is an unforeseen event and that leaving the country is not affected,” he recommended.
Who verifies the cards to enter or leave the country?
“It is up to the airlines to carry out verification when people leave Costa Rica to a risk country such as Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, who are required to have been vaccinated against yellow fever; “Applies to nationals and foreigners,” said Arroba.
For their part, when a person comes from any risk country, it is the Immigration Police officials who have to verify that they have the vaccine.
If you are going to risk areas or coming from risk areas for yellow fever, it is a mandatory requirement. (Photo Archive/Observer)
If I have any contraindications, do I not need the card?
“If a person has a contraindication to receiving the yellow fever vaccine, they must go to a doctor who will provide them with a medical certificate (it is digital) that explains the contraindications,” Arroba highlighted.
With the certificate, you must go to the governing area of the Ministry of Health that corresponds to you and apply for the card, where it will be indicated that you do not have it, but for medical reasons, and you will be able to leave the country.
Exceptions to vaccination
Salud specified that people with certain medical conditions will not need the yellow fever vaccine. The following are exempt from this requirement:
- Children under 9 months (if they turn 10 months before the trip, it can be applied).
- People with severe egg allergy (must be certified by an allergist).
- People with diseases that compromise the immune system (immunosuppression).
- Patients who have or have had a thymus disease.
WATCH MORE: Why those allergic to eggs and gelatin should not get the yellow fever vaccine?
In addition, there are some relative contraindications that, although they do not automatically exempt people, require a medical evaluation to determine if they should be vaccinated. These are:
- Adults 60 years of age or older (regardless of age, a doctor should assess whether the person has chronic diseases or other conditions that make the application of the vaccine not the best option).
- Pregnant women (it will depend on the gestational age and the country you are going to visit; the doctor will define if there is more risk than benefit).
- Breastfeeding women.
- People with hypersensitivity to gelatin (must be certified by an allergist).
- People infected with HIV asymptomatically, with adequate immune function.
“We have absolute and relative contraindications, for example in children 9 months or younger. But in the others, you must have the criteria of a doctor who certifies an allergy or who recommends applying the vaccine better,” the official mentioned.
What is yellow fever?
Yellow fever, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), is an acute viral disease that is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
The virus belongs to the flavivirus group and is endemic in tropical areas of South America and Africa.
Symptoms:
- High fever
- Headache
- Jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes, hence the name)
- muscle pain
- Nausea
- Fatigue
In the most severe cases, yellow fever can cause liver failure, internal bleeding, and death.
PAHO emphasizes the importance of vaccination, especially for those traveling to areas where yellow fever is endemic.
New risk territories
Given this, Costa Ricans who wish to go to Colombia, Peru, Brazil and 41 other countries must have the yellow fever vaccine.
This is the complete list:
The Yellow Fever Vaccine: What You Really Need to Know
Ah, yellow fever! That pesky illness that comes with a lovely side of high fever, headaches, and perhaps a little jaundice for good measure. It’s like the body’s way of saying, “If you thought your vacation was going to be all sun and fun, think again!” From January 11, 2025, travelers from certain American and African countries will become acquainted with the idea of a little prick—no, not that kind—more like a life-saving one against yellow fever! Get your passports and your arms ready, folks!
The Vaccine: A One-Time Affair!
Now, here’s the kicker: this vaccine is a “one-and-done” type of deal. That’s right, one shot, and you’re covered for life! Well, almost. You just need to schedule it at least 10 days before your fabulous getaway. Why? Because your immune system needs time to create its little army of antibodies—to prepare for battle against those cheeky mosquitoes that think they can have you for dinner.
Roberto Arroba, member of the Vaccination and Epidemiology Commission, shared some enlightening insights. He mentioned that the darn thing used to be recommended every ten years, but who’s got time for that when you have a body that can hang onto those antibodies for up to 40 years? Maybe those antibodies should give up their day job!
Proving Your Vaccination: It’s Not a Game of Charades
So, you’ve rolled up your sleeve, and now you’ve got proof of your vaccine. But wait! You need to furnish that proof. Forget the clubbing membership or the secret handshake; to enter or exit Costa Rica, you’ll need a shiny vaccination card. But don’t sweat it; after receiving your vaccine (only available at private pharmacies and hospitals), you’ll be given a physical document with your vital information—like your name and how many times you’ve binge-watched your favorite series.
Ah, but the fun doesn’t stop there! You then must saunter over to the governing area of the Ministry of Health to apply for your official card. This procedure is like an audition—your doctor has to put their stamp of approval, and it could take longer than expected if their pen runs out of ink!
Who Checks Your Vaccination Card? Not Just Your Mom!
Surprise! It’s on the airlines to check if you’re good to go before you flit off to risk countries like Colombia, Brazil, or Peru. Just when you thought your only travel concern was not losing your luggage! And for those returning from these exotic locales? The Immigration Police are the ones peeking over your shoulder to make sure you’ve been a good traveler. Better keep that card close!
The Exceptions: Not All Heroes Wear Capes
If you’re thinking, “What if I have a good excuse?” Well, fret not! There are certain lucky souls exempt from this mandatory vaccine requirement. Children under 9 months, those with severe egg allergies, and a few other individuals might slip through the cracks. Think of it as ‘Survivor: Yellow Fever Edition’!
Yellow Fever Symptoms: A Not-So-Welcome Gift
Now let’s get back to the real point—what is yellow fever? Spoiler alert: it’s nasty business. We’re talking high fever, massive headaches, and a side of jaundice. That’s right! The cute nickname “yellow fever” comes from your skin turning into a shade that could rival a banana. And let’s not forget—this isn’t just an “ouch” moment; it can lead to liver failure, internal bleeding, and—yikes—death!
Travel Warnings: Where’s the Risk?
If you’re aiming for the jungles of Colombia, Brazil, or Peru, and a few other select countries, better make sure you’ve had that shot. Because come 2025, it’s going to be a requirement. So, if you’re planning that summer vacation to frolic with the mosquitoes (or avoid them like the plague), get your documentation sorted before you start packing those flip-flops!
Conclusion: Better Safe Than Sorry!
In the grand adventure of life, getting vaccinated is just one of the many boxes to tick. Sure, it might seem like a hassle, but it beats the alternative. So, roll up your sleeve, plan accordingly, and make sure you have your vaccination card ready! You don’t want to miss that flight over a little yellow fever when you could be off enjoying your tropical escape—well, assuming you skip the mosquitoes!
Be smart, be informed, and keep those pesky yellow fever mosquitoes where they belong—far away from your beach towel!
