BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services will work closely with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources to use schools as an entry point for Pfizer vaccine.
This was confirmed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Service Pauline McNeil in a radio talk back show on the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation in Honiara.
“We will work together with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development and will be using schools as an entry point to vaccine children and communities,” McNeil said.
She said the paper work required by the COVAX facility to get the Pfizer COVID -19 vaccine into the country has been completed by MHMS. This means all documents have been submitted to COVAX facility and established on that end.
“The National Therapeutic Committee has approved and endorsed the Pfizer vaccine to enter the country and on the policy side where the vaccine will be delivered and who to use,” McNeil said.
She said the vaccine will be used for under 18years old, 12 years old and pregnant. This population group will receive Pfizer.
“So again, when the COVID vaccines reaches your communities, I ask your school kids 18 years and 12 years and antenatal mothers to stand ready to receive the Pfizer vaccines. We are expecting Pfizer to come into the country next months,” McNeil said.
Dr Yogesh Choudhri senior Advisor to the Ministry of Health said Pfizer vaccine targets individuals under the age of 18 years.
“We will need to get consent from parents of any individuals under the age of 18 who will be receiving the vaccine. Essential work paper and information materials is currently been worked out right now concerning the Pfizer vaccine,” Choudhri said.
