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Link to HPV Vaccine: HPV Vaccine - Frequently Asked Questions.pdf (health.gov.tt)

The Ministry of Health provides immunization services at no charge to residents of Trinidad and Tobago through its Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).

The mission of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) is to eradicate, eliminate or reduce vaccine preventable diseases to the lowest levels possible through sustained immunization of susceptible persons within a targeted population (which varies depending on type of vaccine). This is an essential component of the Primary Healthcare System.

Persons 18 years and over are responsible for keeping their immunization updated, as required, at a Health Centre or through a private medical practitioner. 

Following the birth of a child, postnatal referrals are sent to community health centres for follow-up within six weeks of childbirth, ensuring newborns' and mothers' well-being through assessment appointments and follow-up appointments. 

Immunization is the process by which a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease typically by the administration of a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the body’s own immune system to protect the person against subsequent infection or disease.

Events supposedly attributable to vaccination and immunization (ESAVI), though not common, are expected; and the Ministry of Health has in place a reporting, surveillance and monitoring system that guarantees to address any health events to vaccines.

Events Supposedly Attributable to Vaccination and Immunization (ESAVI) can range from mild  reactions to vaccines  to adverse or coincidental events that occurred after vaccination.

It is important to note that not all events reported are actually caused by a vaccination. The only relation between two occurrences is that they happened around the same time. Also, it is probable that not all adverse events resulting from vaccination are reported.

A key part of ensuring vaccine safety is continuously monitoring and reporting health events that occur either during or after the immunization process. This is also known as surveillance. According to the Pan American Health Organization, Events Supposedly Attributable to Vaccination or Immunization (ESAVI) refers to any untoward medical occurrence which follows immunization and which does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the usage of the vaccine. This includes any unfavourable or unintended sign, abnormal laboratory finding, symptom, or disease.