Every year as part of Vaccination Week of the Americas, more than 40 countries and territories in the Americas come together to recognise the significance of immunising and vaccinating their populations.
Vaccination Week has the theme ‘Engage Now to Protect your Future’. This morning, Department of Health team members gathered at the Crow Lane and Trimingham Hill Roundabout to wave to commuters, celebrating the start of Vaccination Week.
“During Vaccine Week, we try hard to help those who might not always have consistent access to health services,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP, during her press conference this morning. “Our aim, during Vaccination Week, is to encourage more people to get vaccinated so we can reduce diseases that vaccines can prevent from spreading in our community.
“This week, we're going to encourage everyone to get the MMR and HPV vaccines, making sure people know how important they are.”
On Thursday, May 25th, the Department of Health will host a live panel discussion titled "Let's Talk Vaccination" on Facebook Live. Health professionals from private and public sectors will share insights starting at 5:30 pm. Tune in at https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentofHealthBermuda.
Additionally, on Wednesday, May 1st, the Department of Health will hold a Free Vaccine Catch-up Clinic from 12 noon – 4 pm. This clinic is specifically for individuals needing to catch up on their vaccinations.
The Department of Health has produced the Bermuda Health-Abets podcast, which delves into all facets of healthy living, from A to Z. This week's episode shines a spotlight on Vaccination Week of the Americas, celebrating the progress in public health achieved through vaccination efforts. It also encourages the community to safeguard themselves, their loved ones, and the broader community through vaccination.
This week's guest is Nurse Geneive Williams-Hart, Acting Manager of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) at the Department of Health. You can listen to the podcast here: Bermuda Health-Abets everything from A to Z on Healthy Living. Health Happenings Episode on VWA 2024 (youtube.com)
The press conference video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJrH_Ft8Hzw.