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VI must maintain high immunization rates – Health Minister
Minister Skelton brought to the House’s attention that without the existence of vaccines in the VI, Islanders are at a huge risk, “We are in danger of forgetting just how important they are and what life would be without them.”
Hon. Skelton stated that even though the people of the Virgin Islands take advantage of the vaccines, diseases are still a plane ride away.
“It is however an unfortunate reality that many of these diseases are still rampant in other countries that are just a plane ride away.”
Skelton told the House, that if the VI doesn’t remain alert in maintaining its high immunization rates, “it can lead to a comeback.”
Hon. Skelton, in giving an example, mentioned Measles, he stated that measles is a highly contagious disease that remains the leading cause of children deaths worldwide.
“As Minister of Health and Social Development, I encourage all parents to do the loving and responsible thing by ensuring their children are fully immunized,” said Mr. Skelton.
Minister Skelton reported that during last year’s Vaccination Week campaign, 196 persons, both children and adults, were vaccinated against Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
“Vaccination has been and still remains one of the most successful public health interventions for saving lives.”He stated that since the introduction of Vaccination Week, 365 million people worldwide has been vaccinated against vaccine preventable diseases.
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