Dr Aalisha Sahukhan

The measles vaccine that’s currently being rolled out to the public is safe and effective.

With over 100,000 people vaccinated, the Health Ministry says the vaccine has been used in Fiji since the 1980s and it’s one of the most studied interventions in history.

Head of Health Protection, Dr Aalisha Sahukhan says the ministry is now carrying out its second phase of mass immunization campaign.

Since the measles outbreak on November 7th, the number of confirmed cases still stands at 15.

“It’s over fifty years now, in most countries in the world it’s been used. In all developed countries it’s certainly being used. The World Health Organisation has come out and estimated that from the year 2000 to the year 2017 – it’s prevented 20 million deaths.”

Dr Sahukhan says none of the 15 confirmed cases, are currently admitted in hospital as they’ve all been treated and discharged.

“A few of them were admitted to hospital but they have since been discharged and there’s currently no confirmed case currently admitted in the hospital. They were discharged well home. Some of them actually did not need to be admitted to the hospital and were placed under home isolation.”

She says the Health ministry is strongly urging Fijians to avoid mass gatherings.

“We are advising people to avoid catching and spreading measles to avoid mass gathering at this time especially in Central division. We are asking people not to congregate in areas and not attend events where there are lots of different people. Because we know measles is a very contagious disease that spreads very quickly.”

The second phase of this immunization campaign which began today across Fiji will target people in the groups listed below:

1) Any child in Fiji who has not received 2 doses of a measles vaccine as per the national immunization schedule

2) Any child in Fiji aged 12 and 18 months  due to their routine measles vaccine as per the national immunization schedule

Any person in Fiji travelling overseas, however evidence of travel must be provided i.e. travel itinerary or ticket

3) All health care workers in Fiji

4) All airport and hotel staff

In the Central Division only, the campaign will also target:

1) All children aged 6 months to 5 years
2) All people born between 1980 and 2000 (19 to 39-year-olds).
3) All residents of Serua/Namosi aged 6 months and older.