MHES and Public Health launch revised immunisation schedule

The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability (MHES) in partnership with the Public Health Department, today announced the implementation of an updated National Immunisation Schedule, effective 27 April 2026.

As part of this advancement, the existing Childhood Immunisation Schedule will formally transition to the Childhood and Maternal Immunisation Schedule, reflecting an integrated approach to lifelong disease prevention in the Cayman Islands.

This updated Schedule follows a comprehensive review of international scientific evidence, evolving epidemiological trends, and global best practice guidance. It reinforces the Cayman Islands’ commitment to maintaining a modern, evidence-based immunisation programme that protects infants, children, adolescents, and pregnant women.

“Updating the Childhood and Maternal Immunisation Schedule marks a significant step forward in strengthening public health protection across the Cayman Islands,” said the Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks. “By formally expanding our programme, we are acknowledging a fundamental health principle, that protection does not begin at birth, it begins before. A strong immunisation framework is one of the clearest markers of a resilient health system and it is our aim to continue, through significant programmes such as this, to build a healthier Cayman for generations to come.”

Strengthening protection before birth

A significant enhancement is the introduction of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine for pregnant women between 28-36 weeks’ gestation. Maternal vaccination during this window enables the transfer of protective antibodies to newborns, reducing the risk of severe RSV disease during the first months of life, when infants are most vulnerable to respiratory complications.

The inclusion of RSV immunisation formalises a strengthened maternal vaccination strategy and underscores the Ministry’s commitment to proactive prevention and protection beginning before birth.

Key updates to the Childhood Schedule

In addition to the maternal RSV programme, several refinements have been introduced in the childhood schedule.

• The hexavalent vaccine will now include protection against Hepatitis B and will be administered at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, with a booster dose at 18 months. As a result of this integration, the routine Hepatitis B birth dose will no longer be administered.
• The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) schedule has been streamlined from four doses to two doses, given at 2 months and 6 months.
• The first dose of the MMR vaccine will now be administered earlier, at 12 months instead of 15 months.

• The updated meningococcal vaccine formulation (ACWYX) replaces the previous ACWY schedule with Meningococcal C introduced for adolescents aged 14-16 years with a booster three years later and Meningococcal B at age 14 with a second dose 2-6 months after. In addition, BCG vaccination will now be administered only to individuals assessed as high risk for tuberculosis.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hilary Wolf stated: “The revision of our National Childhood and Maternal Immunisation 2026 Schedule reflects a structured policy review process grounded in international guidance, epidemiological surveillance, and system-level performance considerations. These updates align our programme with current WHO recommendations and normative guidance and reinforce our national commitment to evidence-based preventive care.”

Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Samuel Williams added: “Vaccination remains one of the most effective public health interventions available. The integration of maternal RSV immunisation alongside the updated childhood schedule enhances protection for both mothers and infants while maintaining the highest standards of safety and clinical oversight.”

Implementation and public awareness

In preparation for implementation, MHES and the Public Health Department have begun comprehensive provider briefings, technical webinars, distribution of updated clinical guidance and dosing charts, and system updates to ensure seamless transition across healthcare facilities; A phased public awareness campaign will run from 23 March through 26 April 2026.

This preparatory work reflects months of quiet but critical system coordination behind the scenes. Beyond introducing a new schedule, it has provided an opportunity to strengthen and modernise how preventative services are delivered across the Islands.

MHES and the Public Health Department emphasise that vaccines administered within the Cayman Islands meet rigorous international safety standards and are subject to continuous monitoring. Members of the public are encouraged to rely on official sources for accurate information and to consult their healthcare provider with any questions.

Parents, guardians, and expectant mothers are encouraged to review immunisation records and discuss vaccination plans with their healthcare provider or contact the Public Health Department for further information.

For further information, please contact:

Public Health Department – EPI Programme on telephone number 244-2648.