As Barbados ramps up activities prior to the 24th Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA), which runs from April 25 to May 2, members of the public are invited to attend Open Days at some of the island’s polyclinics starting tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21, until Monday, April 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The specific locations and dates are as follows:

• Tuesday, April 21 – Branford Taitt Polyclinic, Frederick Miller Polyclinic and St. Philip Polyclinic
• Thursday, April 23 – Winston Scott Polyclinic
• Friday, April 24 – Eunice Gibson Polyclinic
• Monday, April 27 – David Thompson Health and Social Services Clinic, Maurice Byer Polyclinic, Edgar Cochrane Polyclinic and Randal Phillips Polyclinic

The theme for Vaccination Week in the Americas 2026 is Your Decision Makes a Difference. Immunisation for All.

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), while important progress has been achieved in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases, recent measles outbreaks in several countries highlight the continued risk of transmission where gaps in vaccination coverage persist.

VWA represents a key opportunity for countries to reach underserved populations, reinforce routine immunisation services, and promote timely vaccination across all age groups, PAHO emphasised.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness recently reported an increase in its immunisation coverage for measles for 2025. It continues to work towards improving overall vaccination coverage for routine vaccines to its target of 95 per cent or above.

As part of Vaccination Week activities, two public health fairs will be held on Saturday, April 25, at Emerald City Complex, Six Roads, St. Philip and Massy Car Park, Warrens, St. Michael, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  A cross section of polyclinic services, including immunisations, will be offered to the public.

There will be a church service to mark the week on Sunday, April 26, at the St. Luke’s Anglican Church, in St. George, beginning at 8:30 a.m.  

Author: Melissa Rollock

Published: April 20, 2026