Over 17,000 Students Jabbed With First Dose
“The turnout is gradually improving as more students are now coming forward to receive their vaccination,” Ms Kumar said.
Tuesday 28 September 2021 | 10:12
Evamdar Blumel 16, a Year 10 student received his first dose of the Moderna vaccine from Staff Nurse Merewalesi Baba at Gopel High School hall on 20 September, 2021. Photo: Ronald Kumar.
To date, a total of 17,628 students between the ages of 15 to 17 years old have received the first dose of the Modena vaccine.
Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Premila Kumar said the response from students, parents and guardians have been good so far and the ministry was working closely with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MOHMS) to co-ordinate the vaccination programme.
“The turnout is gradually improving as more students are now coming forward to receive their vaccination,” Ms Kumar said.
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“Our Heads of Schools, District Officers and Teachers have well organised the vaccination sites with the assistance from the MOHMS, the COVID-19 Safety Protocols are well in place at these sites.
“As more students get vaccinated it assures us that more students will be protected from the coronavirus. It is good if students are vaccinated because it assures us that they will have less chances of the virus adversely affecting them.”
The ministry wants students to return to school safely so that they can complete their Year 12 and 13 studies and progress to tertiary studies.
Vaccination Drive in the Eastern Division have begun in Levuka and other Islands are expected to follow once the medical teams arrive.
“Our Heads of Schools have been communicating with the parents of students aged 15 to 17 years to have their children vaccinated,” she said.
“However is not mandatory. But the ministry strongly urges parents to get their children vaccinated, it is for their own safety.”
Edited by Jonathan Bryce
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