COVID vaccine roll out for children aged 5-11 years old to be announced either tonight or tomorrow

The COVID-19 vaccine roll out for children aged 5 – 11 years will be announced either tonight or tomorrow morning after the launch earlier today.

Some parents had contacted us this morning and raised concerns that when they took their child to the Samabula Health Centre, they were told that the vaccination will begin next week.

The Health Ministry had said yesterday in a release that the vaccination roll out for children aged 5 – 11 years old will start in the Central Division from today, followed by the Western Division then Northern together with the Eastern Division.

Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong says because of the requirements of cold chain, they have to be careful about how they deploy the vaccine.

Meanwhile it was a great moment for parents of Nehru Primary School students after witnessing their children receive the Pediatric Pfizer vaccine that was launched at the school today.

Sailesh Kumar Pala, the father of Year 2 student, Saiansh Sailesh Pala, says he was worried for the safety of his child when cases started rising again.

He says the Health Ministry has done a great job in starting the vaccination of children as low as 5-years-old and is urging other parents to give their consent for their child because it will protect them from severe sickness caused by the deadly virus.

Another parent, Eseta Tikoibua says she was double minded at first but her husband clarified to her the importance of the vaccine.

She says at first she was worried about the side-effects of the vaccine on the health of her son, however, the services provided by the health officials is outstanding.

Year 3 student Shivaan Singh says he is happy that he is now protected from COVID.

Speaking at the launch, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere reminded parents the importance of children receiving the vaccine.

He says the safety of children should always be paramount.

Ratu Wiliame is urging parents to ensure their child is protected from the deadly virus as it has been around the world that children are vulnerable to this disease.

Also attending the launch today was the Minister for Health Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, the Minister for Education Premila Kumar, the Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong, the Chief Medical Advisor Dr Jemesa Tudravu and New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji Charlotte Darlow.