The Ministry of Health and Human Services recently announced that the TCI is joining the regional celebration of Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA). This year’s celebration from 24th April – 30th April is held under the theme “Are you fully vaccinated? #getallyourshots”. This is the 20th year that the Region is celebrating VWA.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services stated that this year the TCI will maintain its focus on protecting the population. They said that the objective of this week is to provide access to vaccines for all residents, increase vaccination coverage in all antigens, and raise awareness about the importance of childhood vaccinations, vaccine safety and effectiveness.
The Ministry explained that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted immunization program in many countries which has resulted in some countries experiencing outbreaks of VPDs. Neighboring countries, including countries within easy reach of the TCI, are experiencing outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) such as Diphtheria and Measles, according to the MoHH. Therefore, the Ministry noted the importance of ensuring that the TCI population is well protected.
They also explained that while the TCI has very good immunity (90% and over), they continue to aim for greater coverages and to maintain those coverages.
The Ministry urged persons who are unsure about their protection against VPDs, to seek advice from their primary care physician. Additionally, if their child/children are missing a vaccine(s), the Ministry asked that those persons call their local primary care clinic for an appointment to bring their child/children up to date.
The MOH also reminded persons eligible to be vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine, to get vaccinated, as boosters, including the fourth dose, are available for eligible persons through health care facilities throughout the TCI.
