Vaccination for children from 5 to 11 years of age expected to start next Saturday

Children between the age of 5 to 11 years old are expected to receive the paediatric doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from next Saturday.

This has been confirmed by the Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor James Fong.

Several calls have been made by parents for vaccination for children to start with urgency as new cases are recorded on a daily basis.

Out of the 163 COVID-19 deaths reported in the third wave in Fiji, 6 deaths were in the population not eligible for vaccination.

There were 8 deaths below the age of 19 years, 7 out of the 8 children had significant pre-existing medical conditions, and one child had no known underlying medical condition.

Meanwhile 138,808 people have received the booster dose which represents 44% of the eligible population.

Dr Fong says they have maintained a number of public health mandates and measures that relate to vaccination and incoming travel.

He says they envision that as more people get the booster dose, the safer it will be to further remove the remaining public health measures.

Dr Fong adds they are looking at 80% booster coverage for those over 18 years of age.