The Truth About the Yellow Fever Vaccination

Oct. 15, 2008
Panama City, Panama

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Dear Panama Insider,

Some media sources are reporting that, due to a new law, you won't be able to visit Panama without a yellow fever vaccination certificate. That's not exactly true. The law applies only to travelers coming from or going to certain countries. This is not a new thing—the Panama government has in the past required the certificate for travel to and from "potential risk" countries, such as Brazil.
Until now, the list of risk countries was pretty short. Now, the Panama government says it will require the certificate for travel to and from every country listed as a "yellow fever transmission country" by the World Health Organization (WHO). That's over 40 countries. For a list, visit the Panama Ministry of Health website.

In general, if you are traveling to or from Central America, North America, or Europe, you won't need the vaccination.

If, however, you plan to travel to South America, parts of the Caribbean, or the African continent, you may need it. The certificate is valid for 10 years, so even if you're not sure what your future travel plans may be, you may want to just go ahead and get it. And keep in mind that the vaccine takes 10 days to take effect, so be sure to get it well ahead of your travel date.

The measure goes into effect Nov. 1. The Panama government says it will count on airlines to ensure passengers coming from risk-countries have the certificate before allowing them to board.

Statute of limitations? Not really…

If you have ever traveled to a yellow fever transmission country, you should also get the certificate…in theory. According to our sources, Panama immigration officials currently do not plan to enforce this—that is, they won't check your passport to see if you've ever been to a risk country. However, this could change at any time. You know the saying: "Better safe than sorry."

By the way, even though Panama itself is listed by the WHO as a risk country, there hasn't been a documented case of yellow fever here since 1974. At the end of the day, the measure exists to protect you and to protect anyone living in Panama from being exposed to this disease.

Where to get the vaccine for $5

You can get the vaccine here for a mere $5. Not every clinic in Panama offers the service, though. In Panama City, there are currently only two places where you can get the vaccination and certificate:

• The new Health Ministry office called Programa Ampliado de Inmunizaciones (Expanded Immunization Program, or PAI) on 38th Street and Chile Avenue (behind the former U.S. embassy)

• The Oficina de Vacunación Internacional (International Vaccination Office) in the Los Rios neighborhood, Main Street, building 237.

You should arrive at around 7am to get a number to be seen the same day. (Insider tip: Your Panama Insider editors anticipate that the long lines at both these vaccination stations will get considerably shorter after November…so wait until then if you can).

Concerned about side effects of the vaccine? According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), these are few…find more information about side effects and who should not get this vaccine at the CDC website. The Panama government will exempt certain people from the vaccination requirement, such as infants under the age of one, pregnant women, and anyone allergic to eggs.

Thanks for reading,

Jessica Ramesch
Editor, Panama Insider

P.S. If you live in the province of Colon or Chiriqui, you can get the yellow fever vaccination and certificate closer to home. You'll find the locations listed (in Spanish) here.

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