The Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization and other stakeholders are discussing the procurement of the vaccines of the meningococcal disease.
This has been confirmed to Fijivillage by the Assistant Health Minister Alex O’Connor.
When asked if concessions will be given on the vaccinations as some pharmacies are selling the vaccine for as high as $300, O'Connor says the outcome of the meeting will be made known later.
The Ministry of Health has already stated that it is a priority to make Meningococcal C vaccines available to the public.
The Ministry says that there are vaccines for the Meningococcal disease that has seen a recent breakout in the country.
The vaccines are Men C conjugate vaccine and quadrivalent ACWY vaccine.
The Ministry of Health has declared an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Fiji after three deaths this year.
The Ministry says that there have been 12 deaths recorded from 2016 to now.
The Health Ministry has stressed that these conditions are very serious and can be deadly but can be treated if detected early.
It adds that identifying symptoms early and seeking urgent medical treatment at a health facility is critical and will give a person the best chance of survival.
A person may start to feel sick within 3 to 7 days after coming in contact with the bacteria.
The Ministry says symptoms of meningococcal disease, especially for older children and adults include sudden fever, vomiting, headache, and stiff neck/backache.
It says other symptoms include, nausea, eyes become sensitive to light, confusion and a rash where red/purple spots are seen on the skin.
The Ministry says the meningococcal disease can only be treated at a health facility with antibiotic medication specifically used for this disease.
