Immunization programme strengthened in Jamaica

Jamaica’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) has made significant progress in strengthening the country’s defences against vaccine-preventable diseases. This milestone was achieved through a workshop held in Trelawney on 16-17 December. The workshop played a pivotal role in equipping 106 health professionals with vital resources, state-of-the-art tools and a comprehensive overview of the prevailing challenges hindering efforts to achieve island-wide immunisation coverage. During the workshop, the updated guide for health professionals, which includes procedures for vaccine administration and management, was launched. The overall aim of the initiative is to improve public health outcomes by providing essential resources and training to health workers, ensuring equitable access to vaccines and improving the overall effectiveness of the country’s immunisation efforts. Participants explored the implementation of surveillance methods to address on-the-ground challenges, including events suspected of being related to vaccination or immunisation (ESAVI). This initiative aimed to strengthen Jamaica’s capacity to detect and manage vaccine-related complications, thereby ensuring the effectiveness and responsiveness of its immunisation system.