Bermuda will next week participate in Vaccination Week in the Americas as part of an effort to ensure the public has clear, accurate and trusted information about vaccines.

A government spokeswoman said that the campaign this year will focus on MMR, HPV and adult immunisations with a series of activities and events designed to promote vaccine confidence, highlight key immunisation messages and support informed decision making.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said: “Vaccination Week allows us to engage directly with our community, answer questions and ensure that people have reliable information about the vaccines that protect our children, families and seniors

“Routine immunisation remains one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness and we are committed to supporting the public with transparent, accessible information.”

Activities next week will include a “Let’s Talk HPV” panel discussion and an expo to provide feedback on vaccine communications, run by the Department of Health’s expanded programme on immunisation team on Monday afternoon at the St Paul AME Church’s Centennial Hall.

At 4pm, community members and healthcare professionals will be invited to review draft information pamphlets for six vaccines and provide feedback, both in writing and through a discussion.

A panel discussion featuring experts on HPV vaccines and HPV-related cancers will begin at 6pm with participants to include Chris Fosker, the medical director of the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, Kristen Woodward, a paediatrician at Edgewood Paediatric Centre, and Niall Uthman, a senior medical officer at the Department of Health.

Tracy Evans-Gilbert, a consultant in paediatrics, tropical medicine and public health, will participate in the panel remotely.

On April 29, there will be a workshop for health ministry staff and partners on immunisation best practice, roll-out strategy, product training and policy updates.