The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched two major resources to strengthen vaccination efforts in the Caribbean: the 2026 edition of the Immunization Manual, Caribbean Template, and the “In My Hands” multimedia HPV vaccine campaign. The launch took place in Guyana during Vaccination Week in the Americas, with PAHO leaders emphasizing the importance of new tools and guidelines to improve immunization systems across the region.
Assistant Director Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas noted that while countries are adopting stronger immunization practices, challenges remain, including declining coverage and outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. She highlighted the recent rise in measles cases across the Americas as a reminder of the need to maintain high vaccination rates to protect public health and prevent disruption. Trust and community engagement, she stressed, are essential to sustaining progress.
Dr. Karen Broome, PAHO Advisor for Immunization, explained that the manual was designed specifically for Caribbean realities, consolidating all aspects of the Expanded Program on Immunization. She emphasized that immunization is a lifelong protection strategy, covering children, adolescents, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and older persons. The manual aims to ensure consistent delivery of vaccines across all age groups.
The “In My Hands” campaign was introduced to address the urgent need for HPV vaccination in the Caribbean, where women are three times more likely to die from cervical cancer compared to North America. Dr. Broome described this as unacceptable for a preventable disease, stressing that vaccinating girls before age 15 offers the strongest protection. The campaign seeks to dispel myths, provide trusted information, and affirm the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in preventing cancer.
Designed for local adaptation, the campaign includes radio and video advertisements, social media content, and educational posters for clinics. It was launched under the Vaccination Week in the Americas theme, “Your decision makes a difference.”
