Barbados recorded an increase in its immunisation coverage for measles in 2025. It is a small victory for health authorities as they continue efforts to bring the national coverage back up to 95 per cent and above.
The report is encouraging as Barbados prepares to mark the 24th Vaccination Week in the Americas from April 25 to May 2.
Data from the Ministry of Health and Wellness indicated that vaccination coverage in 2025 showed some equivalence in the first Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR1) vaccine coverage at 89 per cent and improvement in the second shot, MMR2 coverage, at 86 per cent with a lower drop-out rate, since in 2024 the MMR1 and MMR2 coverages were 88 per cent and 76 per cent, respectively.
The age of administration of the second MMR (MMR2) is 18 months and to be considered as fully vaccinated, two doses of MMR vaccine must be administered. All children 18 months and older who have not received their second MMR should be offered the vaccine at the next doctor’s visit or referred to their usual vaccination site. The same applies to all children who are not up to date with their vaccines as part of the routine vaccination schedule.
Additionally, in its latest Immunisation Bulletin, the Ministry of Health and Wellness reported that in 2025, coverage of primary vaccines was 85 per cent for DTP3 (Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis) and Polio3, which indicates a decline in coverage compared with 2024, but it was equivalent to the 2023 coverage.
The Ministry has implemented various strategies to improve vaccine coverage, which will include nurses checking vaccine records at day care facilities and schools, improving access by offering periodic dedicated Saturday vaccination clinics, and a call back system to follow up on missed appointments.
The objective is to improve the primary vaccine coverage and reduce the risk of outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases such as measles, in school-aged children.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness’ National Vaccination Objectives for 2026 are as follows:
- Achieve and maintain at least 95 per cent vaccine coverage for primary vaccines.
- Identify and vaccinate childhood defaulters who have missed scheduled doses.
- Immunise vulnerable persons, including adults, with tetanus and influenza vaccines.
- Increase Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine coverage among the adolescent population.
- Enhance public awareness of the benefits of vaccination.
- Ensure vaccination remains a national health priority.
As part of Vaccination Week in the Americas 2026, local activities will run from April 17 to 29, at various polyclinics. There will be open days for members of the public to access vaccines and other services from Tuesday, April 21 to Monday, April 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 21 to Thursday April 30 – Open days at various polyclinics
- Tuesday, April 21 – Branford Taitt Polyclinic, Frederick Miller Polyclinic and St. Philip Polyclinic
- Thursday, April 23 – Winston Scott Polyclinic
- Friday, April 24 – Eunice Gibson Polyclinic
- Monday, April 27 – David Thompson Health and Social Services Clinic, Maurice Byer Polyclinic, Edgar Cochrane Polyclinic and Randal Phillips Polyclinic 4
On Saturday, April 25, there will be two public health fairs at Emerald City Complex, Six Roads, St. Philip and Massy Car Park, Warrens, St. Michael, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A cross section of polyclinic services, including immunisations, will be on offer. (BGIS)
