Guatemala . The town of San Vicente, at the foot of Guatemala's Pacaya volcano, was the site for an April 28 launch event attended by PAHO Assistant Director Socorro Gross and Guatemalan Minister of Health Ludwig Ovalle.

School children marched in a parade to kick off Vaccination Week in the Americas, while youths dressed up as polio, measles, rotavirus and influenza viruses. The hero of the day, however, was clearly "Super Vaccine-Man," judging from the crowds' reactions.

Dr. Gross helped vaccinate members of the public, joined by PAHO/WHO Representative Pier Paolo Balladelli and Vice Minister of Health Silvia Palma.

Dr. Ovalle yesterday presented Guatemala's congressional Health Commission with a proposed "Vaccine Law" that seeks to guarantee public funding for vaccines to ensure steady supplies and to support the introduction of new vaccines.