Foundation backs jab

THE Gulf health authority (PHA) is partnering with the Oil Search Foundation to integrate routine immunisation with the Coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination across the province, according to OSF.
PHA board chairman Gerea Aopi described this work as essential.
“PNG now has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the world,” he said.
“Our country is at great risk of an outbreak of a preventable disease such as measles or polio that can harm our children.
“We need to immunise many children as quickly as possible,” Aopi said.
The foundation said its team conducted awareness on the Covid-19, clarifying issues and the difference between routine immunization and the Covid-19 vaccines, including the safety of both.
The foundation said while the awareness for the Covid-19 was underway for the adults, PHA staff were conducting immunization for children.
Mothers who brought in their children for immunization were also getting vaccinated against the Covid-19 after being better informed through the awareness.
Health worker Sister Serah Mikailu said the Covid-19 was a new emerging disease and many people feared it and did not understand the vaccine.
The foundation said prior to receiving vaccination, community leaders attended a Covid-19 information meeting.
They then mobilised their communities for the Covid-19 awareness and vaccination as well as immunisation for children.
The immunisation and the Covid-19 vaccination booths were set up separately to cater for the different patient groups.