Costa Rica has administered nearly 4.3 million Covid-19 vaccines, health authorities reported this week.
The official tracker shows 4,278,505 vaccines have been administered in Costa Rica. That comprises 3.06 million first doses and 1.22 million second doses.
The data indicate about 23% of Costa Rica has now received both doses.
The vaccines “have shown their effectiveness in reducing the risk of severe complications and reducing the risk of death from this disease,” said Mario Ruiz, medical manager of the Costa Rican Social Security System (Caja).
This week, Costa Rica is administering second doses to adults whose appointment was scheduled for any time between August 30 and October 3, 2021.
Serious side effects associated with Covid vaccines continue to be exceedingly rare.
As of August 29, Costa Rica has accumulated 5,492 deaths related to Covid-19. On Monday, the country added 1,454 new cases, while 1,154 people remain hospitalized (447 in the ICU).
Who can get vaccinated in Costa Rica?
The following citizens and residents are eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine in Costa Rica:
- Group 1: Staff and residents at retirement or nursing homes. First responders, including health personnel.
- Group 2: Costa Rica’s older population, defined here as those ages 58 and up.
- Group 3: People from 18-58 with risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory illness, kidney disease and obesity, among others.
- Group 4: Teachers and other staff within the Education Ministry (MEP) or private schools. Imprisoned people and judicial staff. Workers for the 911 service.
- Group 5: People ages 20-57 without any of the aforementioned risk factors. Note that some locations are vaccinating younger adults and teenagers.
Individuals should bring their identification document (cedula or DIMEX). The vaccine is free, even for those who don’t pay into the Caja. Doses are not widely available to tourists at this time, though some health areas may vaccinate non-resident foreigners.
Costa Rica is administering the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines. Both comprise two doses. Immunosuppressed individuals will receive a booster (third) dose in 2022.
Official Costa Rica Covid sources
Here at The Tico Times, we do our best to share the most relevant coronavirus information in a clear and concise manner.
As you’re navigating the pandemic and the associated ever-changing rules, here are the official sources for Covid-19 information in Costa Rica:
- For driving and business restrictions
- For daily coronavirus case/hospitalization/death counts
- For tourist entry requirements
- For vaccine eligibility by location
- For vaccine shipments
Costa Rica’s official language is Spanish, so all of the above sources will be in that language. Of course, we at The Tico Times will continue to provide timely, accurate information as it develops.
Thanks for reading!
