Martha Taumata Faavae
Children at Vaimea Primary School are now protected from typhoid fever.
More than 200 students were given the typhoid vaccine at school last week.
They are part of the Ministry of Health protection programme for students in primary schools and colleges around the country.
According to an information sheet from the Ministry of Health the vaccine is important for it will protect the children from typhoid fever which is caused by drinking and eating food and water contaminated by a bacteria found in human faeces.
Symptoms of typhoid include prolonged fever, stomach pains, vomiting, head ache, weakness, diarrhoea or constipation.
Complications from this disease can cause damage to the liver, lungs, heart and eventually cause death.
Typhoid is a contagious disease and can spread quickly in a family or in school if any member has the bacteria.
The Ministry has reassured that the vaccine is of a new type and is safe and effective and will provide protection for the children from typhoid fever.
Under the 2019 Child Amendment Act it is stated that every child should have all the required vaccinations and the typhoid shot is one of them.
Before the children of Vaimea could be given their vaccinations their parents had to sign a consent form from the Ministry of Health.
After their vaccination the children went home and parents were told to put a cold cloth to the area which was vaccinated and to keep them away from the sun.
Adults up to the age of 45 are also eligible to get this vaccine.