The meningococcal vaccination campaign will commence from next Monday in the Central Division and Ra Subdivision after the arrival of 124,000 doses of the vaccine.
The Health Ministry's National Advisor Family Health, Dr Torika Tamani says they need to use the 124,000 doses so it can free up the cold chain space for the next batch of 200,000 doses that will be arriving later in the month.
Dr Tamani says the estimated number of students to be vaccinated would be around 110,000 from primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, special schools and private schools based within the central and Ra subdivision.
She says the meningococcal vaccination campaign will continue throughout all the other divisions till the vaccination of all children within the age group of 19 years and below is completed.
The Ministry says as part of the preparation plans, they have organized a two day training session this week for the nurses who will be involved in the vaccination campaign.
Dr Tamani says like all medications, vaccines may have minor reactions that lasts a short time but does not lead to any long‑term problems.
She says possible side effects of meningococcal vaccine may include soreness, redness and swelling, fever, loss of appetite and headache.
Dr Tamani says meningococcal disease is an acute bacterial infection that can cause death within hours if not recognised and treated in time.
