Health Ministry Impressed With Booster Shots Turnout in Capital City
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is impressed with the turnout of eligible Fijians at Albert Park to receive their booster shots, since the beginning of the week.
Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, Dr James Fong, said with the endemic nature of the delta variant, surge in cases in the Northern Division and the expected arrival of Omicron, the need for the booster shots, together with maintaining COVIDsafe measures was vital.
Dr Fong said he was impressed with the turnout and encouraged Fijians who were eligible for the shots to take theirs.
He added that he would be able to release stats on the booster shot coverage later in the week.
Cars queued up at the drive through the vaccination centre, while members of the public also lined up to get their shots in Albert Park yesterday.
Taxi driver Mohammad Janif, 64, said he chose to get the booster shot to protect himself from the risks of any other variant.
“I interact with so many people on a daily basis because of the taxi business. I must ensure that I am always fully protected,” he said.
“I am here because I want to be protected knowing that I am also in the vulnerable age group and my family is protected too.”
He encouraged Fijians who were eligible to take their booster shots in order to be vaccinated for further protection from the virus.
Peter Varea of Nasole in Nasinu said it was important that Fijians get their booster shot for their protection and be safeguarded, with the possibility of a third wave of COVID-19 in Fiji.
“This will protect people from severe disease and the risk of death too with other variants of interest that might come our way.”
An individual can receive the COVID-19 booster dose, if he or she has received their initial two doses of the COVID-19 vaccines at least five months ago, that is, before July 22, 2021.
Dr Fong reiterated that the key was indulging in a vaccine plus strategy and not a vaccine only strategy.
“You still have to follow COVIDsafe protocols after being vaccinated. For your family gatherings, please celebrate wisely and hold all those gatherings in spaces that you could ensure there is social distance and there is very good ventilation. Preferably in an outdoor area.”