Health Ministry to begin administering typhoid vaccines in the north on the 4th of July

The Health Ministry will begin administering the typhoid vaccines in the northern division on the 4th of July and will run for the next 8 weeks.

The Health Ministry says that 26,000 Typhoid Conjugate Vaccines vials arrived earlier this month, and the vials, containing 130,000 doses, are currently distributed in the four medical subdivisions within the Northern Division.

They say typhoid is endemic in Fiji and affects all age groups. It says although typhoid is preventable and treatable, community outbreaks and severe cases of typhoid have been reported yearly, and experts suggest vaccination as an effective measure to prevent the disease.

While receiving the vaccines at the Nadi International Airport, Ty-FIVE team Project Leader, Dr Alumita Vuakanisakea, says it’s indeed an amazing milestone to receive the vaccines, as this is an important tool to reduce the burden of typhoid fever, in addition to water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions currently in place.

National Coordinator of Expanded Program of Immunization Sister Litiana Volavola says compared to previous typhoid vaccines, TCV provides longer-lasting protection, requires fewer doses and is suitable for children under two years of age.

She says these advantages allow the vaccine to be delivered through routine infant immunization programs, and provides better protection for young children.

The Ty-FIVE Project is currently taking action against typhoid in the North.

The project stems from a collaborative partnership between the Ministry of Health and Medical Services of Fiji and international partners, including the International Vaccine Institute, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, and the University of Melbourne.

The project is implemented by the local Ty-FIVE team based in Labasa.

The team is made of 13 members with a diverse range of expertise covering clinical and environmental surveillance of typhoid and implementation of vaccination campaign.

For registration, adults are encouraged to bring their valid photo ID and Birth Certificate or COVID Vaccination card.

Children are advised to bring their birth certificates, if they wish to get their vaccination outside school.

For babies above 9-months of age, their parents are to bring their birth certificates, as well as their IDs(parents).

In instances where the birth certificate is not yet available or has not been produced, an alternative form of documentation, such as the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) card may be utilized as a valid substitute.

For Non-Fijian citizens, passports and work permits are required.