Public Health is asking Isle of Man residents to complete a survey about their experiences and views of vaccinations and screening services in the Isle of Man.
Anyone can take part in the online survey which starts today (Monday 2 March) for four weeks.
Results will help Public Health to understand:
- Public perceptions of vaccination and screening services
- Where residents prefer to access these services
- Any barriers that residents may have in accessing vaccinations and screening
- What improvements we could make to these services
The results will be analysed, and with service data and reviews of the best current evidence, will inform a new strategy for vaccinations and screening for the Isle of Man.
Dr. Matt Tyrer, Director of Public Health, said:
‘Screening and vaccinations are a core aspect of preventative healthcare, saving millions of lives a year. This survey will allow us to understand how we can improve people’s access to, and experience of, using these vital services.
‘Our new Public Health Strategy for 2025-2030 sets out our desire to work with local residents to improve the way we do things and this survey gives residents the opportunity to have their say.
‘We are particularly interested in discovering whether there are any barriers to service access. This will help us to develop plans to increase the accessibility of routine vaccination and screening programmes which can protect our communities from a wide range of infectious diseases. They also ensure that certain health conditions can be picked up before symptoms develop to ensure people have the best possible chance of being treated effectively.’
Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford, MBE MHK said:
‘One of the core objectives of our Island Plan is to protect the health and wellbeing of Island residents. A strategic approach to these key aspects of preventative healthcare means we are putting the Island in a stronger position to be able to fight off disease and ill health.
‘There have been many changes in screening and vaccination programmes in the Island over the years and the valuable feedback we get from people on their experiences, what works and what doesn’t, will lead to a more informed strategy for the future. I look forward to seeing the end result.’
Complete the survey and find out more information online: Public Engagement: Screening and Vaccination Services in the Isle of Man Survey.
Paper copies will be available at the Southern and Western Wellbeing Centres and the Ramsey and Douglas Libraries.
The survey takes between 20 to 30 minutes to complete and most responses only require a tick in a box. Taking part is voluntary and open to anyone aged over the age of 16 living in the Isle of Man. Closing date for responses is Monday 30 March.
For more information on screening programmes, visit the Manx Care Screening page.
