The Ministry of Health in Jujuy has announced that free yellow fever vaccinations remain available throughout the province. The vaccine is provided on a walk-in basis at various health centers, with a secure supply of doses.
The vaccination is considered essential for individuals traveling to areas where yellow fever is endemic, including 33 countries in Africa and rural or jungle regions of Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. After receiving the vaccine, travelers are advised to keep the issued yellow vaccination card for future trips.
“Yellow fever is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes that use monkeys as reservoirs. For this reason, all people living in forested regions with monkey populations should receive this dose,” stated the Ministry. In provinces such as Corrientes, Formosa, Salta and Jujuy, only residents of specific departments are required to be vaccinated. In Jujuy province specifically, those residing in San Pedro, Santa Bárbara, Libertador and the Yungas area of Valle Grande receive the vaccine as part of the standard immunization schedule.
Vaccination also plays a key role in preventing reintroduction of yellow fever into Argentina. There is no specific medical treatment for yellow fever and it can be severe or fatal.
“The dose is administered to people from 18 months up to 59 years old without need for booster shots; ideally at least ten days before travel,” explained health officials. For those over 60 years old the vaccine is generally not recommended due to increased risk of serious side effects; instead they may request an exemption certificate when traveling.
Vaccination days and hours are scheduled to reduce wastage since each vial contains multiple doses and must be used within six hours once opened.
In this season vaccines are available at multiple health facilities across Jujuy province including Hospital Pablo Soria (Fridays from 10:00 to 16:00), Hospital Wenceslao Gallardo in Palpalá (Mondays), Centro de Especialidades Norte (Tuesdays), CEPAM (Wednesdays), CES – Hospital Snopek – Alto Comedero (Thursdays), Hospital Nuestra Señora del Carmen – El Carmen (Wednesdays), Hospital Dr. Arturo Zabala – Perico (Wednesdays), Hospital San Isidro Labrador – Monterrico (Wednesdays), among others.
