Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton is urging the community to get vaccinated as the Territory observes Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) 2017.

In a statement issued in support of the week, Minister Skelton said, “We are encouraging all community members to take full advantage of the services offered during Vaccination Week to ensure that your family is fully immunized.   Many of these diseases are preventable, let us work together to ensure that future generations are healthier, as we continue our mission toward a healthier Virgin Islands.”

Honourable Skelton also said, “Timely vaccinations are the safest and most effective way to protect your family and the community from a long list of potentially life-threatening illnesses including Hepatitis A and B, Influenza, Measles, Mumps, Tetanus, Polio and Chicken Pox.”

Minister Skelton highlighted that during the 32^nd Caribbean Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Managers’ Meeting in 2016, the British Virgin Islands was awarded the Henry C. Smith Cup and Certificate for the country that made the most improvement in the EPI during that year. 

To that end, Honourable Skelton said, “This achievement is a credit to the hardworking EPI Manager and team of dedicated community nurses and doctors both in the public and private sectors.”

The Health Minister also announced that the EPI pioneers in the BVI will be acknowledged for their contribution to the Programme’s achievement.  Public Health Nurse, Mrs. Louceta Hodge started the immunization programme in the Territory, and is among the honourees.

The 15^th Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) is being celebrated from April 22 through April 29. The regional slogan for VWA 2017 is “#GetVax to celebrate a healthy tomorrow!”