40.1% of target population in the north receives Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine

53,405 individuals or 40.1 percent of the target population in the Northern division have received their Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine.

The Ministry of Health says in the four divisions in the north, 6,377 are from Bua, 15,678 from Cakaudrove, 24,562 from Macuata and 6,788 from Taveuni.

They say the highest number of typhoid cases in the Northern Division between 2020 to 2022 was found in the age group of 30 to 39 years, followed by the age groups 20 to 29 years and 50 to 65 years.

The Ministry says this is aligned with previous scientific findings, which suggest that typhoid fever in Fiji is not only a children’s disease but also a disease affecting adults.

It adds that stemming from this understanding, the current mass vaccination using the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine targets both children and adults, specifically those between the ages of 9 months to 65 years old.

The Health Ministry says unfortunately these numbers are falling behind the weekly goals set by the vaccination teams, and for this vaccination campaign to be successful, sufficient coverage (80%) must be achieved.

They say without 80 percent coverage, vaccination will not provide the highest protection against infection in the communities.

They further say that typhoid is a disease spread by contaminated water and food, and one typhoid case can easily spread to a family and community.

The Ministry adds this is the reason why the public is asked to receive the vaccine even if it is not mandatory or compulsory.

The vaccination teams are currently dispatched to communities across the North making vaccination more accessible to community members, however, the challenges in registration are noted as members of the public need to bring appropriate IDs.

For adults, valid photo IDs include Passports, Voter ID cards, FNPF cards, Driver’s Licenses, Student IDs, and TIN Joint cards. Other IDs such as Birth Certificates or COVID Vaccination cards are also accepted.

Children are advised to bring their Birth Certificate if they wish to get their vaccination outside school.

For babies above nine months of age, birth certificates, as well as the IDs of the parents (to confirm the relationship) are required.

In instances where birth certificates are not yet available or have not been produced, an alternative form of documentation such as the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) card can be brought. For Non-Fijian citizens, passports and work permits are required.