Yellow Fever Vaccination - Panama ?

[alaskadog]

Noonsite(Panama/Bocas del Toro) says yellow fever vacs. and an international certificate are required to enter Panama. Another site I Googled says only required if entering from another Central or South American country. Another site said the requirement was dropped in 2008. What is the real story? I plan on sailing to Panama from Guatamala where my boat is now located. Do I have to have certificates of vaccination or not? Also, aside from the legalities what do prudent people usually do regarding getting the vaccine? Thanks for any input and advice.

[MarkJ]

We didn't show my card, Nic dint have a card at all. That was 2008 and we had come from Caribbean

[gosstyla]

I believe it is only required if you are coming from a place that has problems with Yellow Fever.

The requirement is not for your protection, rather Panama's. The US did a fairly good job of eradicating Yellow Fever from Panama when it built the Canal.

[GordMay]

According to the CDC Yellow fever vaccine requirements and recommendations, by country
Panama:
REQUIRED (by Panama) if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
RECOMMENDED (CDC) for all travellers ≥9 months of age travelling to the provinces of Darien, Kuna Yala (old San Blas), Comarca Emberá, and Panama east of the Canal Zone, EXCLUDING the Canal Zone, Panama City, and San Blas Islands.
Here ➥ Chapter 2 - Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements and Recommendations, by Country - 2010 Yellow Book | CDC Travelers' Health

[jim_thomsen]

We were in Panama early this year and no one asked about proof of vaccination. But we had heard that Galapagoes required the vaccination if coming from Panama (there is yellow fever in Panama, but not in the canal zone area), so we got the shots in Panama City (cost $5). We were not asked for proof in Galapagoes though.

[sck5]

Yes, it is possible to contract yellow fever in Panama. The risk is quite low but if you get it you will be very very very sick and could possibly die.

Get the vaccine.

[John A]

If you travel to or from Venezuela you'll need to be vaccnated for yellow fever.
You can obtain free shots in Trinidad, contact Jesse James of Members Only Taxi Service for details.

[Jerry Woodward]

The yellow fever vaccine is safe and very effective. It is a live, attenuated virus, so you don't want to give it to anyone with immunodeficiency, pregnant women, or the very young. Yellow fever is rare in Panama due to mosquito eradication, but it seems to be coming back, so I would take the vaccine, regardless of whether it is required or not. Also, remember that there are other mosquito borne diseases like Dengue, so judicious use of insect repellent and nets is always a good idea.