Fiji Recorded More Than 8000 Children With COVID-19

A total of 8345 children have been infected with COVID-19 in Fiji.

Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said this was recorded during a review of the disease outbreak data with children spanning from newborns to 19-year-olds.

The Case Incidence Rate is at 25 cases per 1000 population.

Speaking in Parliament on the Vaccination Coverage and the vaccination rollout for children, he said the data showed that seven children have died from COVID-19.

The death rate is 2.1 per 100,000 population.

Comparatively in New Zealand, the incidence rate is 0.76 per 1000 population and in Australia it is 3.41 per 1000 population.

“The significant regional difference in the observed incidence rate of COVID-19 among the young population will require further investigation. However, it is a clear indication of the risk amongst our children and young people from contracting the COVID-19 disease, and the great need to ensure that we are protecting our eligible young people with the appropriate vaccine,” Dr Waqainabete said.

“Therefore, we strongly urge parents and guardians to agree for their children to get vaccinated and get protected from the COVID-19 disease.”

He assured Parliament that the vaccine being administered to children have gone through the necessary clinical trials for safety and efficacy and are approved by reputable medicine licensing authorities in the world.

“Absolutely no shortcuts were taken in granting approval of these vaccines for children, and their use have been monitored daily for safety.”

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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