Dr Waqainabete calls on those who are encouraging people not to get vaccinated on social media to stop doing so

Health Minister, Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete says with more COVID-19 vaccine doses coming into the country, he is happy that many people are now over the vaccine hesitancy however he is calling on those who are encouraging people not to get vaccinated on social media to stop doing so.

Doctor Waqainabete says this is a time to encourage people to get vaccinated as this gives us another layer of protection.

He says there is now greater acceptance throughout the community that the vaccine is effective and is one important way of protecting us against COVID-19

Doctor Waqainabete says we will have 86,000 AstraZeneca doses by early next week and the vaccination will continue to roll out.

More than 95,000 Fijians have received their first jabs so far.

He says the country is blessed that the Prime Minister has led discussions with the heads of governments and he is grateful that we beginning to see more commitment coming through as vaccines are coming through COVAX, the government of India, support is coming through Australia, New Zealand, UNICEF, KOICA, the government of Japan and other countries that have also contributed with the Personal Protective Equipment.

Doctor Waqainabete says their objective is to be able to contain and stop the community transmission of the disease and ensure that they effectively vaccinate and support the economic recovery program.

The Health Minister says the teams are working on the detailed vaccination planning knowing that there are containment areas but they want to reach out to the vulnerable population as quickly as possible.

For the second dose of vaccination roll-out, the Ministry of Health is planning to set up teams for respective sites across the country.

This will ensure that all Fijians will be able to access the vaccine without having to travel far or wait too long in queues.

For the further convenience of the public, drive-through vaccination sites will also be set up.

The locations of the mobile vaccination teams will be announced early next week.

Those who are due to receive the second dose of vaccine can go to their nearest vaccination site to get the jab.

It is not compulsory that you receive the second dose from the same vaccination site where you received your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Simply go to your nearest vaccination site or contact 158.

Next week, the Ministry of Health is expected to roll out the first dose of COVID-19 vaccination to the remaining front line workers and those who are constantly engaging with the public given the nature of their work such as public service vehicle drivers, supermarket staff, people residing in densely populated areas, individuals who are over 60 years of age, persons with disabilities and those who may have comorbidity issues such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, asthma and other medical conditions.