A “week of awareness” launched by health officials highlights vaccines as a pillar of public health — with emphasis on three critical areas.

Kim Wilson, the health minister, joined senior medical officer Niall Uthman and Lynn Jackson, the island’s chief nursing officer, to underscore the importance of the MMR and HPV vaccines, along with staying up-to-date with adult immunisations.

Ms Jackson said Bermuda had experienced a drop in vaccination rates since the Covid-19 pandemic, when unease rose over the measure.

She noted that the “recent measles resurgence in the region and meningitis outbreaks abroad highlight the continuous importance of maintaining a high vaccine rate”.

Ms Jackson added: “We also recognise ongoing efforts to increase the HPV vaccine, which is a powerful tool in cancer prevention.”

Immunisation against the human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted virus, confers a high level of protection against conditions such as cervical cancer.

Early versions of the vaccine became available in 2006.

Ms Wilson said it conferred cancer protection up to a level as high as 90 per cent, making it “one of the most powerful cancer prevention tools available”.

The MMR is a combination childhood vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella or German measles.

Cases of measles in particular — a highly infectious virus with the power to cause serious illness — have risen in many parts of the world.

Bermudian health officials sounded the alarm in 2024 — after two cases were confirmed locally — that the island had fallen short of the recommended 95 per cent immunisation threshold.

Ms Wilson said the island’s expanded programme on immunisation “continues to ensure that people of all ages have equitable access to safe and life-saving vaccines”.

She called the EPI team “the backbone of our vaccine system — it’s the operational, technical and quality assurance hub that makes certain vaccines are stored, handled and delivered safely and effectively across the island”.

The minister added: “I can’t stress enough — vaccines save lives.

“When we choose to stay informed, when we choose to rely on accurate and trusted information, when we encourage one another to get vaccinated, we strengthen the health of our entire community.”

Ms Jackson said the government health clinic at Victoria Street in Hamilton maintained an electronic database of immunisation records, making it a good start for adults to check their vaccination status.

These include jabs against tetanus, hepatitis B, shingles, influenza and travel vaccination packages covering diseases such as typhoid, hepatitis A and yellow fever.

Fresh boosters against Covid-19, much like the flu shot, are typically available in winter, when respiratory illnesses surge in cases.

The campaign is part of Bermuda’s participation in Vaccination Week in the Americas 2026, under the theme of “Your choice makes a difference — immunisation for all” until May 1.

Dr Uthman said vaccinations were “a gift passed from one generation to another, safeguarding our infants, protecting our adults and strengthening the health of our seniors”.

The EPI team planned a panel discussion on the HPV vaccine for today, with participants invited to give feedback on the island’s vaccination programme.

On Thursday, the health department will hold an EPI workshop for ministry staff and partners to “share updates, collaborate and plan next steps”.