Fiji’s Ministry of Health says it is in the advanced stages of planning in relation to the vaccination of children under 18, during which considerations were also made on the need to seek the consent of parents or guardians before injections are administered.
“We will begin with children between 16 and 18 years,” Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong said. “This will involve a stringent process to ensure that parental or guardian consent is secured and online registration is encouraged prior to vaccination.”
The ministry said it has set aside the required number of vials of vaccine, enough to cover both doses for the age group.
“More stocks are expected to continue the vaccination of eligible children less than 18 years.
“Any decision on the opening of schools will be contingent on how well this vaccination phase rolls out.”
Fiji’s General Manager COVID-19 Response Unit Dr Ana Maisema had said that they intend to vaccinate first, students in years 12 and 13, to allow them to sit their external exams.
