13 confirmed measles cases in the country

There are now 13 confirmed cases of measles in the country.

Minister for Health Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says the three confirmed cases are from the Serua/ Namosi Subdivision and Wainadoi.

They are two adults and a child.

Dr. Waqainabete says the 200,000 extra vaccines that were supposed to arrive in the week will now arrive this weekend.

This vaccine is coming from Europe and is being provided by UNICEF.

He says the Ministry knows that some health centres have limited stock of measles shots, which will only be used for people travelling overseas, those travelling to Serua/Namosi subdivision and children who are 6 months to 3-years-old.

The Minister says when the extra vaccines arrive they will target other groups.

He added so far they have done close to 100,000 vaccinations.

Dr. Waqainabete says that people should also know that there is a measles outbreak around the world.

He also says that people who have been confirmed for measles are recovering well.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health had said in a statement, the measles vaccine is in limited supply and they say they would like to inform the public that there is an interim shortage of the measles vaccine.

They add, for this reason, the remaining measles vaccine stock will be prioritized to those who are at the greatest risk of catching and spreading measles and it is not available for the general public until additional stocks arrive in the coming days.

The Ministry says current stocks are being reserved for the following high-risk target groups the residents of Serua/Namosi, children from the ages of 6 months to 3 years and people travelling overseas, however proof of travel must be shown i.e. ticket/travel itinerary, not just a passport.

It says the routine immunisation of children at 12 and 18 months of age will continue as per the national immunisation schedule.

The Ministry adds the only exceptions to those in the above groups are pregnant women, those with compromised immune systems, and those with a known allergy to the vaccine.

These people should not be vaccinated.