Health

Yellow fever vaccine confusion continues

In addition to the trouble that has been generated by a lack of facilities to administer yellow fever vaccines, some doctors are complaining about “the amount of confusion and misinformation on the subject.”

Some doctors have reported that the government, in implementing the policy, has ignored potential health risks posed by the vaccine, particularly to older patients..

Rita E. Cueto, of the Caja de Seguro Social, advised patients to talk to a doctor before receiving the vaccine to determine if there are potential complications.

The government has said that it will start requiring passengers arriving from or departing to countries where yellow fever has been reported to receive the vaccine. This is being done to ensure that the disease does not reappear in Panama.

The decision, however, has generated a great deal of confusion.

Pamela Sánchez, who went to receive the vaccine, was told that she didn't need it to travel to the United States.

But Marisol Jaén said that Copa Airlines would not sell her a ticket to Miami without presenting her vaccination card, which is good for 10 years.

“Some say one thing, and others say another,” she said.