The Ministry of Health of Jujuy has announced that the yellow fever vaccine is available at no cost to residents. The vaccine is required for those traveling to endemic areas, which include 33 countries in Africa and several rural and jungle regions in South America, such as Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
Authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent the reintroduction of yellow fever into Argentina. The vaccine can be requested without a prior appointment and should ideally be administered at least 10 days before travel.
The vaccine is intended for individuals aged 18 months up to just under 60 years old. No booster dose is necessary. For those over 60 years old, the vaccine is generally not recommended due to an increased risk of severe side effects; instead, travelers in this age group may request a certificate of exemption from health providers if needed.
Roxana Fatum, head of Immunizations for Jujuy’s Ministry of Health, stated: “We must explain to the population that since this is a multi-dose vaccine presentation, once the vial is opened it lasts six hours; therefore, to minimize wastage we have set specific days and times for vaccination for those who request it.”
Fatum also reminded that yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes with monkeys as reservoirs. People living in jungle areas where these animals are present need the vaccine. In provinces like Corrientes, Formosa, Salta and Jujuy, only residents of certain departments require vaccination according to national guidelines. “In the case of Jujuy territory the yellow fever vaccine is given by schedule to those living in San Pedro, Santa Bárbara, Libertador and the Yungas area of Valle Grande,” she said.
For frequent travelers or those heading to endemic or outbreak zones for yellow fever, Fatum added: “They must have the vaccine—a single dose applied once in life provides protection—and keep the provided yellow card for future trips because this viral disease has no specific medical treatment except supportive care and can be severe or even fatal.”
In Jujuy province this season, vaccinations are offered at various health facilities including Hospital Pablo Soria on Fridays from 10 am to 4 pm among other designated centers across different cities.
