Assistant Principal Nursing Officer, Juliette Joseph says the book is reader culture sensitive and easy to understand.

“This booklet will assist in educating parents about routine childhood immunization and will enable them to understand the meaning and relevance of immunization for their family and the community at large.”

Dr. Alisha Eugene, District Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health noted that vaccines prevent death and disability.

 “The value of a vaccine extends beyond childhood,” she said. “Immunization not only helps protects an individual, but the entire community from disease spread by person-to-person contact. A decision not to vaccinate puts not only your child, but the entire community at risk.”

There are 10 components to the EPI. The components, which include but are not limited to the provision of supplies, training, social mobilization, surveillance, information provision, research, and evaluation, ensures that the program meets Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) standards.

The booklets will be distributed to primary schools, day care centers, preschools, pediatric offices and day care providers.

The Pan American Health Organization financed the printing of the first batch of 400 immunization booklets. The booklets will be distributed free of charge.