Childhood vaccination coverage across the Caribbean has reached the 95 percent regional target, up from 92 percent in 2022, marking a major milestone in protecting populations from vaccine-preventable diseases, regional health officials said.
The update was provided by Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, Assistant Director of the Pan American Health Organization, during the launch of Guyana and Caribbean Vaccination Week 2026 on Saturday.
She said the improvement reflects sustained investment in public health systems, strong political commitment, and the work of healthcare professionals across the region, while warning that maintaining those gains will require ongoing effort.
“The progress we have made is meaningful, but much more remains to be done…Achieving and sustaining at least 95 per cent coverage for all antigens is essential,” Dr Sealey-Thomas said.
She noted that countries including Guyana, Montserrat, and St Vincent and the Grenadines have already achieved full coverage in some childhood immunization categories.
However, the PAHO official warned that declining vaccination rates in parts of the Americas have contributed to a resurgence of diseases such as Measles, with more than 15,000 cases recorded in the early months of 2026—already surpassing last year’s total.
Dr Sealey-Thomas said the trend underscores the need for strong surveillance systems, public confidence in vaccines, timely access, and sustained investment in immunization programs.
Her remarks were echoed by Frank Anthony, Guyana’s Health Minister, who said the country has consistently maintained vaccination coverage above 95 percent for most antigens while expanding access to remote and hinterland communities.
Anthony said the government has invested in cold-chain storage, solar-powered refrigeration, vaccine transport systems, and training for frontline healthcare workers to improve reach and efficiency.
“It makes no sense if you have the vaccine and it is nicely stored in the fridge…You have to put it in somebody’s arm so that it can work to protect that person,” he said.
