…increasing the administration of the HPV vaccine

Jamaica joined other countries in the Americas in observing the 22^nd iteration of Vaccination Week in the Americas with a launch at the Portmore Community College in St Catherine on Wednesday, April 24.

Held under the theme, “Engage now to protect your future #GetVax”, the event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of immunisation by ramping up vaccination efforts in the countries of the Americas.

The local effort was led by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, which highlighted the importance of making vaccination services available in a convenient and comprehensive way to communities.

For this year’s observation of Vaccination Week in the Americas, the ministry focused on increasing the administration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to females aged 9-26 years old and males aged 9-14 years old. It also administered pneumococcal (PCV and PPSV) vaccination for high-risk and other target groups.

Addressing persistent barriers to vaccination 

During the launch ceremony, Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO)/ World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Jamaica Ian Stein emphasised the need to redouble efforts to address persistent barriers to vaccination, ensuring that no one is left behind.  This involves strengthening health systems by enhancing vaccination resources and addressing hesitancy and misinformation surrounding vaccines and their efficacy.

“PAHO will continue to provide the technical support needed to help Jamaica strengthen its disease surveillance system and expand vaccination coverage throughout the island to prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases,” Stein said.

He also highlighted the benefits of promoting HPV vaccination among the youth, citing that, according to the HPV Information Centre, cervical cancer ranks as one of the most common cancers among women in Jamaica and the second most frequent cancer among women aged 15 to 44.

In keeping with the campaign’s objectives, members of the public also benefited from free pap smear tests, administration of the HPV vaccine, and general screenings during the Vax Fest health fair.

The launch of the Vaccination Week in the Americas in Jamaica highlights the country’s commitment to promoting immunisation as a crucial public health intervention, ensuring the protection and well-being of its population against vaccine-preventable diseases.