There are enough vaccines to cater for school dropouts from ages 12 to 17 years, says acting Divisional Medical Officer Northern Dr Tiko Saumalua.

Dr Saumalua said vaccines are available for the target group and should cover for everyone including those that have left school.

He said they understood that these dropouts were not able to entre school premises.

Village to village

Dr Saumalua said medical team in Bua are not vaccinating at the school sites but are travelling from village to village in the hope to also provide vaccination for school dropouts in the 12-17 years age group.

He said that the vaccine is available for the target group weather they’re current school students or not.

The choice

Joeli Vakauqotabua said he dropped out from school last year while at Year 13 but he made the choice to get vaccinated.

Mr Vakauqotabua said vaccination cards were now becoming a requirement everywhere.

He said he didn’t hesitate to get the jab even though his family opposed his decision.

“My family didn’t understand and did not support my decision at first because they didn’t know my plans,”Mr Vakauqotabua said.

He said his choice would benefit his family one day.

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