The Permanent Secretary  for Health and Medical Services, Dr James Fong has reassured parents that there was no doubt about the vaccines’ safety.

He made the statement yesterday at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ launch of the COVID-19 paediatric vaccination for 5 to 11-year-olds at Nehru Memorial Primary School in Toorak, Suva.

“Based on the scientific knowledge that we’ve got we know that it’ll help, there’s no doubt about the fact that it helps, there’s no doubt about its safety based on the knowledge that we’ve got,” he said.

“So, not only I am confident of the safety and the effectiveness of a vaccine, but I’m also quite confident about the engagement of parents to get their children vaccinated,” he said.

The Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Premila Kumar, said Fiji attained the high vaccination status of our adult target population back in October 2021.

“The high vaccination rate enabled the Government to open up its borders and restart our economic recovery. And it is evident that policy initiatives for addressing COVID-19 have worked very well,” she said.

She has requested heads of schools and teachers to continue practicing COVID safe measures in all schools. Also present at the vaccination rollout  President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and the First Lady, Filomena Katonivere.

Parents Reaction

Parent, Samanunu Katonivere was relieved knowing that her children will now be protected from the COVID-19 virus.

“I did not hesitate to get my children vaccinated because I knew the vaccine is for their own safety. It’s better for them to get this vaccine now, better late than sorry if something happens to them,” she said.

Buna Fong with her daughter Faith Vakatawa after receiving her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at Nehru Memorial Primary School in Toorak, Suva on July 6, 2022. Photo: Nolishma Narayan

Another parent, Buna Fong, said the safety of her children was vital to her and the vaccine would protect her youngest.

“We just want to live in a safe country, all my family has been vaccinated and this is my youngest child who is a 7-year-old, so she wasn’t vaccinated until now. But now I’m glad my family is safe and protected against COVID-19,” she said.

Feedback: nolishma.narayan@fijisun.com.fj