16 Dec 2019

Unicef warns antivax message can be lethal

From , 6:04 am on 16 December 2019

The United Nations Children's Fund has hit back at online measles antivaxxers saying their message is extremely damaging and its impact has the potential to kill young vulnerable children.

The head of UNICEF's Western Pacific office, Sheldon Yett, says despite their message the Samoan Government is making good progress combating the highly contagious virus, which has claimed the lives of more than 70 Samoans in the past two months.

UNICEF is responsible for overall vaccine supply for all preventable diseases, including the Measles, Mumps and Rubella, and Jenny Meyer asked Mr Yett about the state of supplies for the current outbreak.

This picture released from UNICEF Samoa shows a girl receiving a vaccine during a nationwide campaign against measles in the Samoan town of Le'auva'a.

This picture released from UNICEF Samoa shows a girl receiving a vaccine during a nationwide campaign against measles in the Samoan town of Le'auva'a. Photo: ALLAN STEPHEN / UNICEF / AFP