Clinical Director for the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), Dr Nabura Ioteba placed emphasis on the opening of the borders to the Pacific Islands and the health risks that come with previous mandates no longer in place and travel becoming a daily frequency again. 

“We have been under restricted travel with the recent pandemic and the borders are now open. With more people travelling this means there are more diseases being carried. It would be devastating if our Pacific nations and Pacific people wore the consequences for this. We need to do what we can to prevent any outbreaks.”

History shows that an outbreak of a disease has devastating impacts in the Pacific Islands, such as the 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa. The Back to the Islands vaccination drive is aimed at minimising these risks, with vaccinations on the day available to the community for free; the Covid-19 booster and flu jab will also be available. 

“We want to minimise risk especially for our most vulnerable people and one way we can do this is by keeping on top of our vaccination statuses.”

Dr Ioteba reassures families around the safety of the MMR vaccine for those who are unsure about whether they have previously received it.  

“Immunity recedes over time, so if you are under 50 years of age it is safe to get an MMR vaccination. If you are unsure if you’ve had an MMR vaccine it is safe to get another one as it will awaken your immune system. Two doses over a lifespan are recommended.”

The Back to the Islands vaccination event is this Saturday 1 October at Te Aratai College. The event will run from 10am – 4pm. 

Date: Thursday 29 September 2022

#pmaunite #pmafamily