Dear Editor,

In 1979, Trinidad reported its last confirmed human cases of yellow fever — acquired in sylvatic settings. Since then, the country has implemented a successful vaccination campaign, resulting in high levels of population immunity and no further human cases.

Yet, as of July 11, 2016, Jamaica mandates that travellers from Trinidad and Tobago, as well as Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela, present a yellow fever vaccination card before entry. This policy aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, but its continued enforcement raises questions when compared with how travellers from other countries are treated — particularly the United States and Canada.

Currently, Jamaica does not require proof of vaccination against measles for travellers from the US or Canada despite active outbreaks in parts of those countries. Measles, a highly contagious disease, has seen a resurgence globally, with North America not being spared. Given how easily measles spreads, particularly among unvaccinated individuals, this gap in travel health policy appears inconsistent.

The issue isn’t whether we should protect Jamaica’s public health — we absolutely must. Rather, it’s about ensuring that our policies are balanced and based on current epidemiological risk. Yellow fever, unlike measles, is not currently spreading in Trinidad and Tobago or most of the Caribbean. Meanwhile, measles has re-emerged in some US states and Canadian provinces.

Why then are our Caricom neighbours required to show yellow fever vaccination cards based on decades-old cases, while travellers from countries with active measles outbreaks are not required to prove immunisation status?

As members of a regional community committed to equity, cooperation, and mutual respect, we must re-evaluate how we apply international health regulations. We cannot afford to appear biased against our Caribbean brothers and sisters, especially when the data suggests that risk may be higher from other regions.

If our goal is to keep Jamaica safe from vaccine-preventable diseases, then consistency in travel health requirements is critical. A public health policy that singles out regional neighbours while overlooking similar or greater risks from other countries may undermine both our credibility and our regional unity.

It’s time we have a fair, open discussion — and perhaps a policy revision that reflects present-day realities, not just historical data.

Dr Kurt Gabriel

Consultant interventional radiologist

kurt.gabriel@hotmail.com