Published on Monday, April 28, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

With the arrival of 34,000 doses of yellow fever vaccine, treatment against the virus is once again available at pharmacies and private hospitals throughout Costa Rica, the Ministry of Health announced.

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms typically include fever, chills, nausea, muscle pain, and headaches, which usually improve within five days. However, about 15% of cases develop more severe symptoms, such as abdominal pain, liver damage (leading to jaundice), and an increased risk of bleeding and kidney complications.

Health officials noted that although the arrival of the vaccine is a positive development, the number of doses remains low compared to national demand. The limited supply is due to an international shortage of yellow fever vaccines, which has affected Costa Rica’s stock.

The doses are available in private hospitals such as Metropolitano, Biblica, Cima or Catolica, among others, and private drugstores. They are planned for individuals who need the vaccine for travel to high-risk countries and who had previously been unable to obtain it due to supply shortages.

Countries considered at high risk for yellow fever include several in South America, such as Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as certain African nations.

Certain groups are contraindicated for the yellow fever vaccine, including children under 6-8 months old, individuals over 60, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with severe immunosuppression (including symptomatic HIV), and those allergic to vaccine components.

People with contraindications should avoid receiving the vaccine due to the risk of serious adverse effects. For those with precautions, the decision to administer the vaccine should be made collaboratively, based on the individual’s risk tolerance.

As of Sunday, April 27, no cases of yellow fever have been reported in Costa Rica, health authorities confirmed.

A.M. Costa Rica encourages readers to share this health advisory in their communities.

In response to a recent report from the Health Chamber regarding the vaccine shortage, authorities have revoked the mandate that required vaccination for travelers arriving from high-risk countries.

The Ministry of Public Health is the government agency responsible for overseeing and regulating public and private healthcare in Costa Rica.

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