Minister for Commerce and Tourism Faiyaz Koya says at least 630,000 Fijians need to be vaccinated to ensure that we are protected against COVID-19, which will allow Fiji to open the economy safely.
Koya says their priority in Phase 1 will be front-liners, those manning the borders and ports, medical officials, hoteliers, airport staff and their most immediate family members.
He says they will then look at Fijians with pre-existing conditions and those over 60 years of age.
The last phase will be for those who are over 18 years of age.
Speaking at the Fiji College of General Practitioners Medical Seminar, the Minister says economic recovery relies on medically-sound and consistent vaccine administration and this is where health professionals will play a fundamental role.
He says the government, in partnership with key industry stakeholders, has been working collaboratively to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
The Minister adds that as we move forward, and as the pandemic continues to evolve, the health care sector must continue to deliver high-quality care to all patients and fortunately, they have made significant progress in understanding this human crisis, the ability to combat it, and the efforts to help patients suffering with it.
