Health ministry in talks to bring in new Covid-19 Vaccine for 5-12 year olds
THE Ministry of Health and Medical Service (MHMS) is now discussing with its partners to bring into the country a COVID-19 vaccine for five years to 12 year olds.
That’s according to the health and medical service Permanent Secretary (PS) Mrs Pauline McNeil, during the health radio press conference at SIBC, Thursday.
“We are now in discussion with our partners to bring in the vaccine targeted for those age groups from five to less than 12 years old,” she said.
“In terms of the vaccination under the age of 12 there is already discussion TWG (Technical Working Group) for considering the vaccination of the 5 years old to less than 12 years old.
“That is still in discussion and hopefully will be made known soon,” she said.
She also stated that there is a consideration to stage the reopening of the schools in terms of having certain groups in attendance.
Less than 12 will have to attend school at a later stage, when their vaccines are available, she added.
“When these age groups have a vaccine and are vaccinated they can go to school with those students that are 12 years old and above because for 12 years and above, they already have a vaccine which is Pfizer vaccine.”
PS McNeil said all schools must observe COVID-19 measures and mask up while in school.
Once this new vaccine gets into the country, it will be a fifth vaccine.
Currently, the country has Pfizer for 12 to 18 years, Sinopharm, AstraZeneca and the newly launched Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
All these vaccines were introduced into the country since 2021, to help the government in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is believed that Solomon Islands is yet to achieve its vaccination policy target, as some people are still reluctant to get vaccinated.
By LACHLAN EDDIE
Newsroom Honiara
