Community nurses celebrate Vaccination Week 2022 by pushing HPV jab and reminding residents COVID-19 is not over

As Antigua and Barbuda celebrates Vaccination Week 2022, residents are being encouraged to get inoculated against the COVID-19 virus, while persons who are eligible for the HPV vaccine are advised to take that jab.

Speaking about the HPV vaccine, Nurse Edith DeSilva says there was not much interest initially; however, as awareness grew, people began coming forward to take the shot.

But since interest has dropped once again, she says the campaign will be intensified.

Meanwhile, Nurse DeSilva reminds the public that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over; therefore, residents should ensure they are vaccinated against the sometimes-deadly virus.

Carnival will be staged this year, she notes, and unvaccinated residents who expect to take part in the activities should ensure they are jabbed early for maximum protection.

The nurse reiterates that vaccines have been known to save lives over these many decades.

In the meantime, Nurse DeSilva says the Community Nursing Service – through the Ministry of Health – is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Vaccination Week in The Americas.  The theme for 2022 is: “Are you fully vaccinated? Get your shot!”   

The activities run from April 23 to 30 and include messages being read in churches; a march; a media and public education day; an open day at several of the clinics; a T-shirt day; and a health fair.

During the week, residents will also have the opportunity to undergo various health checks in addition to getting vaccinated.