Dominica Observes Vaccination Week of the Americas with Renewed Call for Immunization

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services is calling on all citizens, particularly parents and caregivers, to take decisive action to protect the nation’s children as Dominica joins countries across the region in observing Vaccination Week

of the Americas 2026.

This year marks the 24th celebration of Vaccination Week of the Americas and the 15th World Immunization Week, an initiative led by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to promote equitable access to life-saving vaccines.

Under the theme “Your decision makes a difference: Immunization for all,” health officials are emphasizing the critical role of individual choices in safeguarding public health.

Minister for Health, Wellness and Social Services, Honourable Cassanni Laville, said the theme for Vaccination Week aligns closely with this year’s World Health Day theme: “Together for Health. Stand with Science.”

“Both themes present a call for all of us to support evidence-based solutions, not misinformation. Because vaccination, and overall health by extension, is not just a government issue. It is not just a health sector issue. This is a national responsibility.”

While Dominica can boast excellent management of the COVID-19 pandemic through strategic efforts and excellent pre-COVID coverage rates, the Ministry has noted a steady decline in the vaccination rates on the island since the pandemic. Before the pandemic, national immunization coverage was more than ninety-five percent (95%).

Today, national measles coverage stands at approximately seventy-four percent (74%).

“This is not just a statistic. This is a vulnerability. This is an open door to outbreaks we thought were behind us. And we cannot afford that. We are a small island, but we are deeply and recently even more easily connected to the world. As travel increases, so does the risk of diseases entering our borders. One imported case of measles can quickly become many, affecting our children, our elderly, and even our economy, particularly our vital tourism sector, as we witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Minister pointed out.

Meanwhile, Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Manager (Ag), Nurse Yvonette Anatol-Carbon, underscored the importance of vaccination in protecting communities:“Your decision to get vaccinated does not only protect you and your child. It protects your family, your community, and ultimately our entire country. Conversely, choosing not to vaccinate places us all at risk of the re-emergence of dangerous, vaccine-preventable diseases. If a case of measles is imported into Dominica, unvaccinated children are especially vulnerable.

Measles is highly contagious, but it is also preventable through vaccination.”

The Ministry is also working to combat misinformation surrounding vaccines. Nurse Anatol- Carbon reaffirmed that all vaccines offered through the national programme are safe and effective.

“There is no scientific evidence linking the MMR vaccine to autism. The original study that suggested this was proven to be fraudulent and has since been retracted,” she assured. She encouraged parents to consult healthcare professionals with any concerns and to rely on credible, science-based information.

To improve access and convenience, the Ministry has implemented several initiatives during Vaccination Week and beyond:

 Outreach to communities, daycares, and preschools

 Home visits to families with unvaccinated children

 Educational sessions to address concerns and provide accurate information

 Extended clinic hours to accommodate working parents Special weekend vaccination clinics are also available:

 Fond Cole Health Centre: Every second Saturday of the month (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

 Roseau Health District (Ground Floor, Government Headquarters): Every third Saturday of the month (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

All vaccines provided through the public health system are free of cost.

The Ministry highlighted recent advancements in the immunization programme, including the introduction of the hexavalent vaccine in June 2025, which reduces the number of shots required for children.

“We listened to the concerns of parents and have taken steps to make the vaccination process more comfortable for both children and their families,” Nurse Anatol-Carbon noted.Plans are also underway to introduce the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in the near future.

Parents and guardians are urged to review their children’s health records and ensure vaccinations are up to date. Those uncertain about their child’s immunization status are encouraged to contact their nearest health centre.

As the country observes Vaccination Week of the Americas, Honourable Laville presented citizens with a clear message:

“I ask you, every parent, every guardian, and every citizen: What kind of Dominica do we want to protect? One shielded by science or one exposed to preventable disease? Your decision to vaccinate, or not, does not affect you alone. It affects your child. It affects your neighbour’s child. It affects your community. It affects the entire nation. We are removing barriers. All we ask is that you make the decision that will make the difference. Let that decision be one that saves lives. Let that decision be one that protects Dominica. Let that decision be one we can all be proud of.”