Published on Thursday, June 12, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The  Social Security (CCSS) has officially launched its annual COVID-19 vaccination campaign, aiming to immunize 1.5 million people across the country.

COVID-19, the infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, led to a global pandemic beginning in January 2020. As of April 2025, more than 7 million deaths have been reported worldwide due to the virus.

According to the Ministry of Health, as of June 6, an average of 22 individuals remain hospitalized due to COVID-19-related complications. There are 13 COVID-related deaths with more than 250 confirmed infections.

This year marks the first time the COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed annually as part of Costa Rica’s national public health strategy. The vaccine is available at all public community health clinics, known locally as Ebais.

The campaign is open to all individuals six months of age and older, including legal foreign residents with a valid DIMEX identification card. To receive the vaccine and help prevent the spread of the virus, individuals are encouraged to contact their nearest community public health clinic, known as Ebais.

Frontline and essential workers are also a focus of the campaign. This group includes healthcare professionals, Red Cross personnel, firefighters, and employees of key public institutions such as the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Public Education, the Ministry of Public Security, the General Directorate of Migration, and municipal governments.

The COVID-19 campaign is one of several ongoing vaccination efforts spearheaded by the CCSS. Recently, Costa Rica began a national campaign to immunize pregnant women against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

In May, Health authorities launched its annual influenza vaccination drive.

Additionally, all travelers, both residents and tourists, departing from Costa Rica to Colombia are required to present proof of yellow fever vaccination.

The CCSS is the government-run entity in charge of Costa Rica’s public health system.

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Is the COVID-19 vaccine part of your country’s basic immunization schedule? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com