Belize is celebrating, along with the countries and territories of the Region of the Americas, the 21st Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) and the 12th World Immunization Week from April 22 to 29. Both weeks are being celebrated under the slogan and call to action: “Get up-to-date #EachVaccineCounts.”
This year’s VWA campaign aims to emphasize the significant role that vaccines play in protecting an individual and their loved ones and highlights the importance of vaccines for a long and healthy life. The goal is to create vaccine awareness at all ages to increase vaccine acceptance and uptake across the lifespan.
Belize’s Immunization Program has been successful since its establishment in the 1970s; however, the negative impact of COVID-19 has also affected the uptake of routine vaccines, increasing the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and polio.
The success of vaccines ─ preventing diseases, reducing severe illnesses and hospitalization, and saving lives ─ has been proven over the decades. Vaccines are safe and effective for all ages and are accessible to the entire population, from birth to adulthood. They protect against vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, rubella, polio, and tetanus, among others.
The Ministry of Health & Wellness extends gratitude to all its hardworking and dedicated staff for their service, especially in protecting Belize’s vulnerable population. Furthermore, the ministry continues to urge persons to “Get up-to-date as #EachVaccineCounts.”
For more information on vaccines, please contact the Maternal and Child Health Unit at any health center or the Ministry of Health & Wellness at 822-2325 or visit www.health.gov.bz.
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