Is it true one needs to have a malaria vaccine before entering Panama ?

Question

If so,when was this law passed ?

I go back and forth all the time and I've never had one.

Answer 1

no, i don't think this is true.  I've never had a malaria vaccine, an i go to Panama almost every summer.

Answer 2

There was recently, like no more than two weeks ago; a law signed into being (Law No. 291) that anyone entering the country is going to be required to have a yellow fever shot.  The total population of Panama that resides here will also be required to have the shot.  In addition everyone will be required to carry a card saying they have been vaccinated.  The law was written with broad language so it is possible other requirements could be easily added using this same law.  I don't remember when the official start date will be, but the law passed.  Here's a link in English on the subject written for expats living here http://www.panama-guide.com/article.php?...   and another  http://www.panama-guide.com/article.php?...

Answer 3

I stopped in  Panama o the way to Colombia. Needed no vaccine for either place.

Answer 4

No.

Answer 5

there is no malaria vaccine yet, it is in process of being made i guess.. and it will be ready by 2010.  I do know that doctors reccomend getting a  prescription for malaria tablets though...

Answer 6

First, there is no such thing as a malarial vaccine (i.e., injection that will protect you for a long period of time).  

If you go to a region with endemic malaria, the Centers for Disease Control recommends you take oral antimalarial medication.  (The type of medicine depends on where you go.)  You are supposed to take it while you are there and often after you leave.  

It is not a law, it is only good advice.  

If you are only in Panama City, you do not need antimalarial meds.

Answer 7

Don't know about going into Panama, but coming back to Canada and probably the USA you should be asked for your vaccination booklet to show that you have had all necessary shots for the countries you visited.  It was that way in 1968 when I went to Europe and I'm sure it was around from the time that a vaccine for malaria was found.