The ministry is targeting groups that are more likely to come in contact with measles which includes airport and airline workers, hotel workers, and healthcare workers.

Outbreak of measles around the world, including in neighboring countries, have put Fiji at risk of having travel-related cases of measles.

Ministry of Health’s Head of Health Protection Dr Aalisha Sahu Khan says keeping in mind the outbreak in neighboring countries, it is important for Fijians to get vaccinated.

Dr Sahu Khan says the free vaccine is available at health centres for those aged 12 months and above who are travelling overseas.

Babies aged between 6 months and 12 months can also be vaccinated if they are travelling to an area with an ongoing outbreak of measles- but they will still need to receive their next scheduled measles vaccines as per the Fiji immunization schedule.

“The other group of people we are offering free vaccines for in Fiji are travellers, anyone who is travelling internationally. This advice went out earlier this year when we knew of the outbreak happening in New Zealand. We are advising anyone who travels internationally anywhere, it does not have to be specific to outbreak area like New Zealand to get vaccinated. People who are travelling make sure you check your immunization status.”

Dr Sahu Khan says Fijians should be vaccinated at least two weeks in advance of travel however pregnant women should not be vaccinated.

The ministry is targeting groups that are more likely to come in contact with measles which includes airport and airline workers, hotel workers, and healthcare workers.