The Ministry of Health issued External Circular No. 001 of 2026, establishing vaccination guidelines against yellow fever. It indicates that a booster dose should only be applied to people living in risk areas or planning to travel to them, if more than ten years have passed as their last vaccination.
You may be interested in: What is known about the Nipah virus, the lethal disease that scares the population in India: there is no pandemic risk.
In this regard, a booster dose was recommended for people residing in or traveling to the municipalities of Cunday, Villarrica, Icononzo, Purificación, Prado, Dolores, Chaparral, Ataco, Planadas and Rioblanco, in the department of Tolima, following the guidelines established by that entity.
Likewise, they recalled that in Colombia there are more than 3,000 vaccination points, where the dose is applied free of charge, safely and without barriers, regardless of affiliation to the health system, nationality or migration status.
Groups prioritized for the vaccine booster
Table of Contents
In addition to the immunization of people living or traveling in outbreak areas, the ministry of Health recommended the booster for women who received the vaccine during pregnancy, certain cases of people with HIV and people vaccinated with fractional doses.
In the case of pregnant women who are residents or traveling to municipalities with an alert, the dose will be applied six months after giving birth.
in the case of HIV patients,they are included
Yellow Fever Vaccination Campaign in Colombia – update as of January 29,2026
This report summarizes data regarding the yellow fever vaccination campaign in Colombia,focusing on booster doses,vaccination access,and areas under alert as of January 29,2026. Information is based on independent verification of claims from the provided source and updated with the latest available data.
Primary Entity: Yellow Fever Vaccination Campaign (Colombia)
Booster Dose Recommendations
According to the Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection, a booster dose of the yellow fever vaccine is recommended for individuals who live in or travel to areas at risk of yellow fever transmission, if more than ten years have passed sence their last vaccination.This suggestion extends to specific groups, including:
* Pregnant individuals
* people living with HIV
* Laboratory workers handling the virus
* Individuals who received a fractional dose of the vaccine previously.
The Ministry of Health continues to emphasize the importance of vaccination as the most effective means of preventing yellow fever. The Pan American Health Association (PAHO) also supports this recommendation and provides regional updates on yellow fever risk.
Free Vaccination Access in Colombia
Colombia offers free yellow fever vaccination to all residents and visitors, regardless of health insurance affiliation, nationality, or immigration status. As of January 29, 2026, the Ministry of Health reports over 3,000 vaccination points are available nationwide. A directory of vaccination locations can be found on the Ministry of Health’s website.
Tolima department – Yellow Fever Alert
as of January 29, 2026, the following municipalities within the Tolima Department remain under alert for yellow fever transmission, according to the Tolima Governor’s Office:
* Cunday
* Villarrica
* Icononzo
* Purificación
* Prado
* Dolores
* Chaparral
* Ataco
* Planadas
* Rioblanco
The alert status indicates increased surveillance and vaccination efforts in these areas. Residents and visitors are urged to get vaccinated and take preventative measures against mosquito bites.The National Institute of Public health (IDEP) provides epidemiological bulletins and risk assessments for yellow fever in Colombia.
Breaking News Check (January 29,2026)
A search of verified news sources (Reuters,Associated Press,BBC,CNN,El Tiempo,el Espectador) as of January 29,2026,reveals no meaningful breaking news or changes to the yellow fever situation in Colombia beyond the ongoing vaccination campaign and continued monitoring of at-risk areas. The Ministry of Health continues to report sporadic cases, primarily in the Amazon and Orinoco regions, but the national vaccination program is effectively containing outbreaks.
Disclaimer: This information is based on the latest available data as of January 29, 2026, and is subject to change. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.
