COVID-19 will remain in Fiji just like common flu, says Ministry of Health and Medical Services chief medical advisor Dr Jemesa Tudravu.
He highlighted this during a virtual conference with members of the Fiji Principals Association.
Dr Tudravu said the virus would become an endemic disease just like common flu.
“So, where are we heading,” he said.
“From a health perspective, we believe we are heading towards COVID-19 becoming an endemic disease in Fiji, similar to the flu virus.
“So, we are not going back to a COVID contained or COVID free country, we are going ahead to a Fiji where the disease will be endemic.
“What that means is that there will be a low number of disease cases right throughout the year with a small number of hospitalisations and severe disease but what will suppress this is the level of vaccination that we will have in the community.”
He said it was anticipated to happen,” Dr Tudravu said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is considering the possibility of vaccinating school children between the ages of 12 and 17 as part of its plan on the safe resumption of classes.
Dr Tudravu said that they’ve had discussion on the issue and are working hard towards it.
He said they are also looking at current developments in terms of safety of vaccines for those less than 12-years-old.
“Our ideal plan is to protect everybody, vaccinate everybody because everybody can hold the virus, everybody can carry the virus. If we protect everybody then our chances in spreading the disease amongst us would be minimum”.
The Pfizer vaccine is being used by most country for children who are 12 to 17 years old.
Currently, only the AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines are available in Fiji.
SOURCE: FIJI TIMES/FBC NEWS/PACNEWS
