Childhood vaccinations are one of those topics that pop up everywhere these days, from family chats to school drop-offs or while scrolling online.
Here in Bermuda, people have been talking about them with a little more concern lately. That’s because the number of vaccinated kids on the island isn’t quite where it needs to be, according to health experts.
RG Best Health spoke with Minister of Health Kim Wilson about Bermuda’s declining vaccination rate, why experts believe vaccinations are still vital to community health and how we can all come together to improve them.
Building a healthier, safer Bermuda – together
Vaccines have been touted as a simple, powerful way to protect communities from dangerous diseases like measles and whooping cough.
We’re aiming for herd immunity: an invisible shield which is created when enough people are vaccinated, making it much harder for diseases to spread.
Unfortunately, when we don’t reach the necessary coverage levels, that shield weakens, leaving the entire island more vulnerable.
According to the World Health Organization, at least 95 per cent of children need the MMR vaccine —which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella — to keep outbreaks at bay.
However, in 2022, Bermuda’s vaccination rate fell to about 85 per cent. A wake-up call came two years later, when Bermuda recorded its first case of measles in years.
Ms Wilson said: “Following Bermuda’s first measles case, uptake in vaccinations increased significantly as parents acted to protect their children, resulting in 2024 data showing 100 per cent coverage for dose one and 92 per cent for dose two.”
These numbers are a promising turnaround, but experts say there’s still more work to do to close the gaps and protect everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
Why vaccination is important
According to Ms Wilson, vaccinations aren’t just about providing individual protection—they’re the foundation of public health.
“Vaccinations are our first line of defence against preventable diseases that can be severe, even fatal, especially for young children and older adults,” she explained.
Diseases like measles and whooping cough used to cause widespread fear and take thousands of lives before vaccines were available.
One key reason vaccines matter so much is their ability to protect not just those who are vaccinated but those who can’t be, such as infants who are too young for certain vaccinations, or individuals with medical conditions that prevent them from getting vaccinated.
Ms Wilson said: “When a significant portion of the community is vaccinated, it creates a protective barrier, essentially stopping the disease from spreading.”
This is why having high vaccination rates isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity.
What happens if vaccination rates fall?
If Bermuda’s vaccination rates continue to dip below recommended levels, the island becomes more vulnerable to outbreaks.
Ms Wilson shared one example.
“If whooping cough spreads rapidly in under-immunised communities, it can pose particular danger to infants too young to be fully vaccinated.”
This risk isn’t theoretical. When vaccination rates dropped in parts of the United States and Europe in recent years, outbreaks of measles returned, sometimes leading to serious illness and death.
Outbreaks don’t just affect individuals who get sick. They put strain on healthcare systems, lead to school absences or missed work, and bring stress to families dealing with illness.
Understanding vaccine hesitancy
Health experts say it’s often due to misconceptions, misinformation or fear. Some parents worry about potential side effects from the jab, while others question whether natural immunity might be better for their child.
“And for some families, diseases like measles or whooping cough feel like problems of the past. They’ve never seen these illnesses and don’t feel an urgent need to vaccinate.”
This is where education and understanding can make all the difference.
“The most effective response begins with empathy. Listening builds trust, while simple, relatable explanations help correct misinformation,” Ms Wilson said.
Parents often feel reassured when learning that vaccines undergo years of safety testing before being approved or hearing about real-life examples of communities where diseases have made a dangerous comeback.
What next?
Raising vaccination rates is a challenge, but it’s one that Bermuda can meet. Many countries have successfully adopted new approaches to encourage vaccinations.
Sending reminders via text message, WhatsApp or email can help families remember when it’s time for shots. Offering extended clinic hours or weekend availability could make things easier for busy parents.
Trusted figures in the community, such as teachers, church leaders, or local healthcare workers, can also help share accurate and relatable information.
“When parents hear messages from people they trust, they’re often more open to considering vaccinations,” Ms Wilson said.
Community effort
At its core, improving vaccination rates is about more than just statistics. It’s about protecting the health of the whole community. Every parent who chooses to vaccinate their child is helping to strengthen Bermuda’s collective shield against disease.
As Minister Wilson puts it: “Raising childhood vaccination rates — particularly for measles, pertussis, polio and similar diseases — could deliver significant public health benefits over the next decade. These include fewer outbreaks, stronger protection for vulnerable groups and reduced strain on healthcare services.
“By adopting positive measures, we are working to ensure that Bermuda can strengthen vaccine coverage while continuing to provide education and care that safeguards the health of our community.”
While vaccination may seem like a small, simple act, it has a massive ripple effect. When more people are vaccinated, kids stay healthier, families face less disruption and the community thrives.
Whether you’re taking your child for their first dose or catching up on missed vaccines, the Ministry reminds the public that each step will help to bring Bermuda closer to a safer, healthier tomorrow.
