Medics vouch for vaccine
FIJIANS who have received their second AstraZeneca jab can still contract COVID-19, but the potency of the vaccine protects them from getting severely sick.
This, according to Colonial War Memorial Hospital head of gynaecology Dr Moape Bavou during this week’s Bua Urban Youth Network virtual discussion on COVID-19.
He said it was important for members of the public to be vaccinated as this reduced the workload for frontline teams dealing with severe cases.
Also speaking at the forum, paediatrician Dr Manasa Baleinamau said those vaccinated had a greatly reduced chance of carrying the virus with them since their immune system defences were activated by the vaccine.
Dr Baleinamau said vaccination protected everyone and their loved ones.
Contributing to the discussion, pathologist Dr Virisila Ciri said those who had received their second jab ensured that the initial protection offered by the first jab was boosted to 92 per cent, meaning there was a 9 per cent chance of people contracting the virus.
She said even if inoculated people contracted the virus, their immune system was wired to deal with the disease.
Another issue highlighted by Health Ministry Expanded Program on Immunisation team leader Sister Litiana Volavola was that during the research the AstraZeneca vaccine had proven to be very effective for those 65 years and older. She said this was before changes were made by countries to address the rare issue of blood clotting among people vaccinated from that age group.
Sister Volavola assured Fijians that AstraZeneca suited the genetic makeup of Fijians while its storage and handling suited the tropics.