Residents are being urged to get vaccinated against a number of preventable diseases.

The Department of Health is highlighting the importance of receiving shots during Vaccination Week, which kicks off tomorrow.

The theme, developed by the Pan American Health Organisation and the World Health Organisation is ‘Vaccination: Your Best Shot’.

Chief Medical Officer Cheryl Peek-Ball said: “The aim of this slogan is to encourage people of the region to protect themselves against vaccine-preventable diseases as we prepare for the (football) World Cup in Brazil, which attracts many international visitors.

“For that reason, the risk of importation of vaccine-preventable disease will be increased and will be particularly important for persons that are not vaccinated. The risk of reintroduction or importation of vaccine preventable diseases to the region for unvaccinated individuals remains a threat for any community.”

Bermuda also recognises World Immunization Week which started yesterday with the theme ‘Immunize for a healthy future: Know, Check, Protect’.

Community Health Nurses will be on East Broadway, near the BUEI, between 8am and 9am during the coming days to promote the week and remind the public about catching up on vaccinations for themselves and family.

The Department of Health will also hold an Immunization Catch-Up Day next Wednesday. This will be open to the public from 8.30am to 5pm; working through the lunch hour to update immunisation.

The public is asked to bring their immunisation record so that the Department of Health can see which vaccinations they require and to update their records. This activity visitation is only for immunisation updating not physician consultation.

Immunisation are recommended for children on the Bermuda Immunization Schedule and are free of charge to children up until the age of 21 years, while tetanus and polio vaccinations are also free of charge to adults. Other vaccinations require a charge.

If a member of the public cannot make the Immunization Catch-Up Day, other immunisation updates are available.

Adults can visit the Hamilton Health Centre from 8.30am-11.30am, Monday to Friday of this and any other week.

Children aged five to 21-years-old can visit the Hamilton Health Centre from 8.30am to 11.30am of this and any other week.

Children up to four-years old can visit Hamilton Health Centre Mondays or Fridays from 2-4pm; or Warwick Satellite Clinic from 2-4pm on Mondays; St. George’s and Somerset Satellite Clinics from 2-4pm on Fridays; on this and any other week.

Travel clinic appointments are scheduled in advance for a Tuesday or Thursday of each week from 1.45pm to 4pm of each week. Appointments should be made at least two months in advance of departure, to ensure adequate planning for immunisation prior to travel abroad.

Bermudians travelling to the World Cup or other exotic countries in the near future are encouraged to call and make an appointment for their travel consultations as soon as possible.

The Hamilton Health Centre is closed for public holidays and lunch hours between 12.30pm and 1.45pm.