FIJIANS living in other parts of Fiji have been advised to ensure their children receive at least two doses of the measles vaccine in accordance with the Fiji immunisation schedule.
A measles outbreak has been declared for the Serua/Namosi Subdivision after two confirmed cases and two suspected cases of measles were reported at Wailali settlement in Wainadoi.
In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services advised, “if they haven’t, or you are not sure, please visit your nearest health centre”.
“Please avoid non-essential travel to the outbreak area,” the ministry advised.
“If you are intending to travel to Serua/Namosi, please get vaccinated against measles at least two weeks before travel (it can take up to two weeks for the vaccine to take effect).
“Free vaccine is available at your nearest Ministry of Health and Medical Services health centres for those aged 12 months and above who are travelling overseas or to an outbreak area.
“Babies aged between six and 12 months can also get 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 immunisation schedule.” Pregnant women have been advised not to get vaccinated.
“Please be aware of the symptoms of measles, and if you have them, please call ahead before going to your health centre to avoid spreading the disease to others.
“The Ministry of Health and Medical Services urges the public to take heed of our advice to protect yourselves and your families from measles.”
