Health Department’s Vaccination Week Activities

The Department of Health said they wish to advise the public of the activities it has organized to demonstrate Bermuda’s support for the regional 12th Vaccination Week in the Americas celebrated from April 26th to May 3rd.

The theme developed by PAHO [Pan American Health Organization]/WHO[World Health Organization], is: “Vaccination: Your Best Shot”

“The aim of this slogan is to encourage people of the region to protect themselves against vaccine-preventable diseases as we prepare for the World Cup in Brazil, which attracts many international visitors,” explained Chief Medical Officer Dr. Cheryl Peek-Ball.

“For that reason, the risk of importation of vaccine-preventable disease will be increased and will be particularly important for persons that are not vaccinated. The risk of re-introduction or importation of vaccine preventable diseases to the region for unvaccinated individuals remains a threat for any community.”

Bermuda also recognizes World Immunization Week which runs from April 24th-30th, 2014. The theme for this is: “Immunize for a healthy future: Know, Check, Protect”.

Community Health Nurses will be on East Broadway, near the BUEI, from 8am to 9am during the coming days, waving to the in-coming Hamilton traffic to promote the week and remind the public about catching up on vaccinations for themselves and family.

The Department of Health will also hold an “Immunization Catch-Up Day” on Wednesday, April 30th, 2014. This will be open to the public [to all ages] from 8:30-5pm; working through the lunch hour to update immunizations.

“The public is asked to bring their immunization record so that the Department of Health may ascertain which vaccinations they require and to update their records. This activity visitation is only for immunization updating, not physician consultation visits,” a spokesperson said.

“Immunizations are recommended for children on the Bermuda Immunization Schedule and are free of charge to children up until the age of 21 years, while Tetanus and Polio vaccinations are free of charge to adults [other vaccinations require a charge].

If you cannot make the “Immunization Catch-Up Day” then immunization updates are as follows:

• Adults may visit the Hamilton Health Centre from 8:30am-11:30am, Monday to Friday of this and any other week
• Children aged five to 21-years-old may visit the Hamilton Health Centre from 8:30am-11:30am of this and any other week
• Children aged 0-4 yrs. old may visit Hamilton Health Centre Mondays OR Fridays from 2-4pm; OR Warwick Satellite Clinic from 2-4pm on Mondays; St. George’s and Somerset Satellite Clinics from 2-4pm on Fridays; on this and any other week
• Travel Clinic Appointments are scheduled in advance for a Tuesday OR Thursday of each week from 1:45-4pm of each week. Appointments should be made at least two months in advance of departure, to ensure adequate planning for immunizations prior to travel abroad. [Bermudians travelling to the World Cup Event or other exotic countries in the near future are encouraged to call and make an appointment for their travel consultations, ASAP]
• Each week, they are only closed for Public Holidays and lunch hours which are 12:30-1:45pm.

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