Health Ministry to conduct mass typhoid vaccination in the North

The Health Ministry will be conducting a mass typhoid vaccination in all four subdivisions in the North from the 4th of July, and will run for the next 8-weeks.

The Ministry says with a population of about 130,000 people in the Northern Division, there were 78 typhoid cases last year, with one death and four severe cases.

They say typhoid in the North affects all age groups, from babies to grandparents, and this requires community to act altogether.

It says although typhoid is treatable with antibiotics, which are available in our health facilities, it is best if we prevent the disease in the first place.

Prevention against typhoid includes washing of hands frequently, drinking boiled water, washing raw vegetables and fruits thoroughly and covering food from flies. However, the most effective way to prevent it is through vaccination, as the body will develop antibodies, and these antibodies can act like “trained soldiers” who will remember how to protect the body if a real typhoid infection occurs.

The Ministry adds with the support of the Ty-FIVE consortium, they will hold a mass vaccination campaign in July and August in the North.

It says vaccination using a single dose of the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine – commonly known as the “TCV” – will be available for all individuals, Fijians, and non-Fijians, from 9 months to 65 years of age.

It also says there will be mobile teams moving through schools, workplaces and communities, and fixed teams, who will be based at the nearest health facilities.