KINGSTON, Jamaica – As vaccine skepticism resurfaces around the world, Jamaican officials are urging parents to remain committed to vaccinating their children prior to starting primary school, a move that aligns with the nation’s longstanding immunisation laws.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, underscores that these policies are not just formalities—they have proven essential in protecting children from preventable diseases. “Our robust vaccination guidelines have served us well,” she says. “They’ve enabled us to maintain high levels of immunity and protect our youngest citizens.”
Decades of consistent vaccination drives have helped Jamaica effectively wipe out once-rampant illnesses such as polio, measles, and rubella. Health officials point out that regular immunisations have eased the pressure on public hospitals and spared families the emotional and financial toll of severe childhood illnesses.
Introduced in 1977, the expanded programme on immunisation continues to evolve, now covering a broad spectrum of diseases—from tetanus and diphtheria to hepatitis B. These measures, according to Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie, reflect Jamaica’s enduring commitment to community health and disease prevention.
Against the backdrop of global vaccine hesitancy, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is also encouraging citizens to take advantage of the seasonal flu vaccine offered at no charge. “Even if a vaccinated person contracts the flu, they generally experience fewer complications,” Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie affirms. “Our evidence clearly shows that widespread immunisation reduces hospital stays and prevents unnecessary deaths.”
Going forward, Jamaican authorities remain focused on maintaining high immunisation rates to safeguard the well-being of future generations. The current call to action is simple yet critical: Stay informed, adhere to immunisation guidelines, and help preserve Jamaica’s legacy of disease prevention.
