Challenges to successful immunization programme
By: Public Health Staff
Vaccines are among the most effective means of preventing disease, disability and death in infants, children, adolescents and adults. Through aggressive Immunization programs, Caribbean territories have made great strides in reducing and eliminating morbidity and mortality caused by Vaccine Preventable Diseases.
Like all Caribbean territories, the Cayman Islands is committed to preventing and controlling the transmission of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, by providing accessible and affordable immunization services geared at achieving 100% immunization rates / coverage. In order to achieve this, there must be a shared responsibility between the providers of the service (Public Health, District Clinics, and Private Pediatricians), and Users of the service (Parents & guardians with children).
In carrying out our mission, we, the Public Health staff invariably faces many challenges in delivery of the immunization. The following are some of the common situations encountered, and suggestions for alleviating them:
Refusal of vaccines – The decision to refuse a vaccine /vaccines should not be taken lightly. The advice of a reputable and knowledgeable health-care provider may be useful in making your decision.
Missed Appointments: Please call or visit the health facility as soon as you are aware
the appointment cannot be kept, or as soon as appointment is missed. This will facilitate rescheduling as the earliest date available.
Change in Contact details: Please report as soon as possible any change in telephone numbers or home address. This will enable us to make contact easily, e.g. for rescheduling and visit reminder calls.
Changing Immunization providers: Please report plans to visit a different provider for
vaccines. This will assist us to maintain accurate records. If coming to our facility from a different provider, take updated immunization record.
Lost /Shabby Immunization Records: These are time- consuming and expensive to replace. Please keep immunization booklets in a sealed Ziploc plastic bag, in same location as other important documents e.g. Passports & Birth certificates.
Forgotten Immunization Records: Booklets should be presented for updating before or at the next scheduled visit.
Baby Left Island: Please report this as soon as plans are confirmed or as soon as possible after baby leaves. This information is crucial for our Tracking Register, as well as for calculating overall immunization coverage.
Language Barrier: If your primary language is not English, if possible, please take an interpreter.
The slogan for this year’s Vaccination Week in the Americas is: “ Vaccination : a shared responsibility” indicating that each one has a role to play in the immunization process i.e. the health care providers, parents, guardians and the community as a whole . With each one taking their role seriously, the outcome for immunization programme can only be one of success.
