Official Website of the Barbados Government
Health officials have already started a campaign to re-establish 95 per cent vaccine coverage in children under five years old, as Barbados gets ready to mark the 22nd Vaccination Week in the Americas, from April 20 to 26.
With the World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization noting a re-emergence of some vaccine-preventable diseases, with measles and polio cases in particular, among pockets of unvaccinated children in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, Barbadian health authorities are implementing strategies to address vaccine hesitancy while promoting the benefits of vaccines.
The resurgence of diseases like measles and polio are of particular concern given a noticeable decline in local vaccine coverage rates in those children under age five.
Health officials will be using some of the activities surrounding the 22nd Vaccination Week in the Americas to reassure the public of the efficacy, safety, and benefits of vaccines and immunisations.
A number of community outreach activities are under way, including the implementation of the Mobile Clinic service and the Saturday clinics, which are being held in the months of April and May to bring children up to date with their vaccines.
Activities for the week will include a church service at the Calvary Moravian Church, Roebuck Street, St. Michael, on Sunday, April 21, at 9:30 a.m. It will be addressed by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael.
On Saturday, April 20, there will be two health fairs/exhibitions – one at Emerald City Complex, Six Roads, St. Philip, and the other at Massy Supermarket and Shopping Complex, Warrens, St. Michael, both from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
They will target families, children, and adults for life course vaccines, health education, noncommunicable diseases, screening for sexually transmitted infections, and other health-related matters.
On Monday, April 22, public health nurses and a paediatrician will be guests on CBC’s Mornin’ Barbados show when they will talk about the goals and objectives of Vaccination Week in the Americas.
Additionally, polyclinics will hold Open Days from Monday, April 22, to Wednesday, April 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., as follows:
Monday, April 22
- Maurice Byer Polyclinic, Station Hill, St. Peter
- Winston Scott Polyclinic, Jemmotts Lane, St. Michael
- Edgar Cochrane Polyclinic, Wildey, St. Michael
- David Thompson Health and Social Services Complex, Glebe Land, St. John
Tuesday, April 23
- Edgar Cochrane Polyclinic, Wildey, St. Michael
- St. Philip Polyclinic, Six Roads, St. Philip
- Frederick “Freddie” Miller Polyclinic, Glebe, St. George
Wednesday, April 24
- Branford Taitt Polyclinic, Black Rock, St. Michael
- Randal Phillips Polyclinic, Oistins, Christ Church
During the Open Days, members of the public will be invited to walk in to receive any childhood or adult vaccines for which they are eligible.
There will be an educational workshop for public health clinical staff on Friday, April 26, at the National Union of Public Workers Headquarters, Dalkeith, St. Michael, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Topics will include:
- History of Vaccines in Barbados – Presenter Senior Health Sister Julyette Serrano.
- Identifying and Managing a Measles Outbreak on the Island – Case studies, scenarios, and table-top exercises – Presenter Dr. Kimberly Phillips.
- The Clinical Management of Adverse Reactions to Vaccines – Dr. Alok Kumar.