More than 17,900 young Fijians have received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine to provide them protection from the COVID-19 virus
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama launched the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme for children aged 15-17 years old and hundreds of children accompanied by parents/guardians convened at the vaccination sites.
Maryann Fremlin, whose daughter was the first to receive the Moderna vaccine at Gospel High School, said programme for children was much anticipated.
“As a parent, I believe it is very important for us to encourage our children to get vaccinated as well. We all have to do our part if we want our borders to open, we want Fiji’s economy to get back to the way it was and we all need to play our part.”
Even though there is a lot of speculation around the COVID-19 vaccination, Mrs Fremlin said, “The vaccination is a shield, and as parents we should encourage our children to protect themselves”.
Another parent, Nina Rigamoto was happy that her son had finally received the first dose of the Moderna vaccination so he can be protected against the pandemic.
“I am also happy that by receiving the vaccination, schools may open soon and my son can start going back to school.”
Ms. Rigamoto has been fully vaccinated and urged Fijians to come forward and receive the vaccination.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Bainimarama said, “Through a collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts, and the Ministry of Communications, this vaccination programme will add a powerful layer of protection for our children against COVID-19 to support their return to their school so we can get Fiji’s education revolution back underway”.
“The Moderna vaccine is being administered first to 15 to 17-year olds who are nearing the end of their secondary education and who need to sit for their external exams to progress onto tertiary education.”
He thanked the United States of America for providing the Moderna vaccine and the New Zealand government for their help in accessing the Pfizer vaccine which will be rolled out later for children who are 12 to 14 years old.
Prime Minister Bainimarama added that the Ministry of Health and Medical Services has information that can assist parents in making this important decision for their children.
“We are using a vaccine that has been used in many parts of the world, providing necessary protection against this terrible virus.”
“As parents and guardians, you will be asked to register your consent for your children to receive this vaccine. We encourage you to do so online through the Vaccine Registry portal that is posted on the Fijian Government and Ministry of Health Facebook pages.
“Registration is very simple. It requires the Birth Registration Number, Citizenship Certificate Number or Permit Number from both the parent or guardian, and the child, entered alongside correlating dates of birth.”