The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) has announced a free yellow fever vaccination campaign beginning on Tuesday.

Yellow fever is a viral illness caused by the yellow fever virus (Flaviviridae RNA virus), transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, chills, loss of appetite, nausea, muscle pain (especially in the back), and headaches.

While most people recover within five days, severe cases can cause abdominal pain, liver damage, jaundice, increased bleeding risk, and kidney complications.

In October, health officials confirmed the country’s first case of yellow fever in nearly 70 years. The patient was a 29-year-old U.S. woman who entered Costa Rica after traveling from Peru. She had not been vaccinated.

This month’s campaign includes 13,500 vaccine doses, which will be administered from Dec. 2 to 9.

People who want the shot can go directly to the health center offering the vaccine; no appointment is required.

The vaccination campaign takes place at the following public cantonal clinics, known locally as Ebais:

Several additional vaccination sites have been set up at private businesses, including:

Eligible recipients are travelers heading to Colombia between Dec. 16 and 31 with confirmed airline tickets.

Health authorities warn that the vaccine is contraindicated for certain groups, including infants under 6 to 8 months old, people over 60, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with severe immunosuppression (including symptomatic HIV), and individuals allergic to vaccine components.

In May, the government began requiring all travelers departing Costa Rica for Colombia, including residents and tourists, to show proof of yellow fever vaccination. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before departure, making it a mandatory condition for leaving the country.

According to the Ministry, Colombia has reported over 150 cases and 50 deaths from yellow fever so far this year.

As of Monday, Costa Rica has reported no active cases.

This year, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an epidemiological alert for the Americas following a rise in confirmed human cases across several countries and a shift in the disease’s geographic distribution.

The MPS, which oversees Costa Rica’s public and private healthcare systems, is responsible for implementing and enforcing national health regulations.