Ministry of Health & Wellness and Public Health Department Ramp Up HPV Vaccination Drive in October

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is working closely with the Public Health Department to amplify the HPV vaccination drive in the month of October.  HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a group of over 200 viruses, some of which can be spread through intimate skin to skin contact, including direct sexual contact.

There are two categories of sexually transmitted HPV.  “Low-risk” HPV can cause warts, whereas “high-risk” HPV can cause various cancers, including but not limited to cervical cancer and some types of oral and throat cancers.

“Our community is, unfortunately, well acquainted with the devastating effects which cancer can have not only for the individual but entire families,” explain Chief Nursing Officer Felicia McLean. “For instance, according to the ESO’s 2022 Compendium of Statistics, 25% of all deaths in the Cayman Islands during that year were attributed to cancer. And yes, while there are many causes of cancer, we must do what we can to prevent those that are in fact preventable, and that’s why this vaccination drive is so important,” she adds.

The Gardasil 9 vaccine has been available in the Cayman Islands for many years, but the latest guidance from the UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI) aim to make the vaccine more accessible while expanding its protective benefits to a wider age group.

The Gardasil 9 vaccine is proven to protect against nine high-risk strains of HPV, which are linked to cervical, throat, and anal cancers. The updated dosing schedule will now simplify access for individuals aged 9 to 45, including boys and girls, men and women.

“I know that there are some parents who do not think that this vaccine is necessary because their children are young,” Mrs. McLean explains. “As parents we start vaccinating our children from birth because we recognise the need to protect them from life threatening illnesses. HPV is no different in that regard in that the threat is still posed by viruses.  Thus, in vaccinating your child, you are protecting them against the threat of certain cancers in the future,” she continues. 

In an effort to better engage parents and guardians, Mrs. McLean, along with School Health Coordinator Nurse Carvell Bailey from the Public Health Department, have been reaching out to schools and PTAs to schedule presentations to help bridge the gap and empower parents with accurate information about HPV, the Gardasil 9 vaccine, and the vaccination programme which will also be made available at participating schools throughout the month of October to facilitate ease of access.

“Parents who wish to have their children vaccinated, and whose school has signed up for the programme, can request that the vaccine is administered at school by a Public Health Nurse,” Mrs. McLean explains.  “Only those children for whom a request has been made and a consent order has been filled out will be given the vaccine.”

Furthermore, in light of the new vaccination guidelines, the Public Health Department will also be enhancing access to out of school youth and those ages 25-45 who are interested in this added protection.

“The new guidelines make it easier than ever to make this powerful tool accessible to prevent life-threatening illnesses,” explains Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez.  “It’s vital that both men and women take advantage of this opportunity to safeguard their health.”

The new dosing recommendations are: 

• Aged 9 to 24 years: One dose of the Gardasil 9 vaccine provides sufficient protection.

• Aged 25 to 45 years: Two doses are recommended, with the second dose given any time between 6 months and 2 years after the first dose.

• Immunosuppressed individuals: A three-dose regimen over a 12-month period is advised for maximum immune response.

“The simplified one-dose regimen for those under 25 makes it even easier for young people to protect themselves from a virus that causes several types of cancer,” Dr. Samuel Williams – Rodriguez continued. “For older individuals, including those up to age 45, the two-dose and three-dose schedules offer flexibility and ensure comprehensive protection for those who may be more vulnerable, such as people with weakened immune systems. Vaccination is particularly important for these individuals.”

The HPV vaccine is available for both men and women at the District Health Centres, the Public Health Department Clinic, and the Women’s Health Clinic. Eligible individuals are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider to schedule their vaccination in line with the latest JCVI recommendations.

For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.hsa.ky  or contact: 

• Public Health Department: (244-2648) 

• Women’s Health: (244-2649) 

• Faith Hospital: (948-2243) 

• Little Cayman Clinic: (948-0072) 

• West Bay Health Centre Tuesdays 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM (949-3439) 

• Bodden Town Health Centre beginning Tuesday October 15, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM (947-2299) 

“I encourage all parents to learn more, and to engage us as we make our way across our Islands’ schools,” adds Mrs. McLean.  “We must do everything that we can to protect not only our children, but to safeguard our community as whole from these cancers.”