Every vaccine used in Fiji must undergo strict, rigorous testing in international clinical trials

Vaccine Safety, Side Effects, and Myths

📘 What Learners Will Know

  • Every vaccine used undergoes strict, rigorous testing in international clinical trials to meet high safety and effectiveness standards before being approved for our children.
  • The safety of vaccines continues to be carefully monitored by health authorities even after approval to ensure ongoing safety.
  • Most babies feel completely fine after their visit, but experiencing mild, temporary side effects for 1 to 2 days is a completely normal sign that the baby’s body is successfully building active immunity.
  • Normal mild reactions include: Being a little more unsettled or grumpy, feeling extra sleepy, feeding slightly less than usual, a mild short-lasting fever, or minor redness and soreness right where the needle went in.
  • Severe or dangerous reactions are extremely rare; if mild symptoms do not improve or you are genuinely worried, you can reach out for professional medical guidance immediately.

🎮 Interactive Activity: "Fact vs. Myth"

    • Statement 1: "It's safer to let my child catch measles naturally to build strong immunity."

    MYTH! Letting children catch infectious diseases exposes them to severe illness, long-term disability, lung damage, or even death. Vaccination is the only safe way to build lifelong immunity.

    • Statement 2: "A mild fever or grumpiness for a day after a vaccine means the vaccine is working."

    FACT! Mild grumpiness or a low fever means your baby's immune system is successfully training and building antibodies to protect them for life.

    ❓ Quick Check Questions

    1. Which of the following is considered a common, normal, and temporary side effect of a vaccination?

    Select one

    2. How do we know vaccines are safe for Pacific children?

    Select one

    🏠 Take-Home Action

    Save the Support Line: Save the MOH's advice line into your phone contacts so you always have free access to non-urgent medical advice and support whenever you need reassurance.

    GENERAL ENQUIRIES

    • Phone:
    • Office Hours:
    • Head Office Address:

    EMERGENCY CONTACTS

    • Medical Emergency:
    • Hospital Ambulance Services:
    • Public Health Emergencies: Contact your nearest Sub‑Divisional Health Office
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