QCOSTARICA – The flu season in Costa Rica is around the corner, with the start of the rains. For that, the Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social (CCSS), has begun its annual vaccination program that aims to vaccinate 715.000 people during this month and next.
The program gives priority to children between 6 and 23 months of age, adults over 60, pregnant women and those with respiratory problems.
Dr. Vicenta Machado Cruz, head of the Expanded Immunization Program, explained this year the doses have been increased from last year’s 300.000 to 650.000 adults and to 65.000 children, up from 32.000 last year.
Maria del Rocio Saenz Madrigal, head of the CCSS, said the program costs the institution US$3 million dollars, up from last year’s “investment” of US$800.000 dollars.
The vaccination is free to all insured by the CCSS and available at all CCSS clinics (Ebais) and medical centres across the country.
Flu season in Costa Rica is between May and September.
