What Happened
Panama’s Ministry of Health, through its Epidemiology Department, is continuing to offer yellow fever vaccination to Panamanians and foreign residents who plan to travel to South American countries where the disease is circulating. The measure comes as cases have been reported in countries including Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia.
Health officials say travelers to these destinations should receive the vaccine at least 10 days before departure. In Panama, the shot is free and is considered to provide lifelong immunity.
Where and When to Get It
The yellow fever vaccine is administered in the Nursing Department’s International Vaccination section in Corozal, Los Ríos, in the Ancón district. Service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
To receive the vaccine or obtain certification, applicants must present original documents. Accepted documents include a cédula de identidad, resident card, passport for foreigners in transit, Migration documents if in process, and Electoral Tribunal documents if in process.
Who May Be Exempt
Some groups are not expected to receive the vaccine, including children under one year old, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, people over 60, and immunocompromised patients. For these cases, the Ministry of Health has set up an administrative process in the Metropolitan Health Region.
After presenting the required documents, applicants can receive a certificate allowing them to travel without vaccination. Certification costs $20 for nationals and residents and $100 for foreigners.
Why It Matters
Panama is maintaining epidemiological surveillance of yellow fever outbreaks in the region as part of its public health protections. Officials also clarified that travelers entering Panama are not currently being asked to present a yellow fever vaccination card.
For travelers heading to areas where yellow fever is active, getting vaccinated in advance remains the simplest way to avoid complications at departure and reduce health risks abroad. The guidance reflects Panama’s broader effort to limit the spread of infectious diseases while supporting safe travel.