Fijians should be able to get their measles vaccination from health centres for free.

Health Minister, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete says there have been rumours that some people are paying for vaccines.

Dr Waqainabete says people who are living in high risk areas have been advised that they can visit their nearest health centre and get vaccinated for free.

“I’ll be surprised. I am interested to know why they’re paying for it but as I said a lot of people have been having free vaccinations in the health centres.”

The Ministry yesterday confirmed that there’s enough measles vaccines in stock to cater for high risk areas.

Dr Waqainabete says they’re prioritizing those travelling overseas, those who are not sure of their immunization status and those who live within the vicinity or travelling to the Serua/Namosi subdivision.

He says so far there have been five confirmed cases of measles.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is also calling on all Fijian families to ensure their children are vaccinated against the disease.

Symptoms of measles include fever and a rash with any of the following: runny nose, sneezing, cough, red/watery eyes, and white spots inside the mouth.

The rash starts after the other symptoms and spreads all over the body.