Ministry of Health immunization programme continues

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs is currently educating the public on its comprehensive vaccine program.
Assistant Principal Nursing Officer, Ms. Bernadette Regis, said the “life-saving vaccine program” makes vaccines available to all citizens at no cost.
“The administration of vaccines and immunization is a critical aspect of Saint Lucia’s primary health care program and constitutes a basic right of all citizens. Therefore, the Ministry of Health has established a well-structured coordinated vaccination program to ensure that all children and adults have access to free life-saving vaccines at various wellness centers, and at private pediatric offices free of charge.”
Nurse Regis further explained the rigorous testing process vaccines go through to ensure safety.
“Vaccines utilize the body’s own natural defense system to strengthen protection against a disease. Accordingly, the World Health Organization has accumulated a portfolio of vaccines to safeguard against over 20 life threatening diseases. Vaccines are subject to robust international testing protocols and involve thousands of volunteers to establish safe, quality-assured and effective medicines. Our population must be protected from any potential vaccine-preventable disease outbreak. This can only be achieved by maintaining high vaccination rates among all age groups.”
Nurse Regis concluded by once again referencing the World Health Organization. WHO data indicates that immunization prevents approximately 3.5 to 5 million deaths annually from diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza and measles.