Ministry of Health receives 9,600 vaccines from French Government

As COVID-19 cases rise in the country, the Ministry of Health today received 9,600 doses of Moderna vaccine from the French Government.

The Minister of Health Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete highlighted that the vaccine will be administered to children between the ages of 15-17 years old.

He says his Ministry has recorded an increasing number of COVID-19 cases and they are reiterating their message to all Fijians to get vaccinated when it's due.

He says 103.9% of Fijians aged 18 and above have received their first dose while 95% have received their second dose while 38,755 children aged 15-17 years have received their first dose and 32,093 have received their second dose of Moderna vaccine.

He adds that 25,782 of children aged 12-14 years have also received their first dose and 15,743 have received their second dose of the Moderna vaccine.

Dr Waqainabete says whether it's their second dose, third or 4th booster dose, all Fijians are advised to get vaccinated to help protect themselves and their families.

Meanwhile, French Ambassador Francois-Xavier Leger says protecting everyone against COVID-19 around the planet, ensuring equitable access to vaccines on a global scale is the only way to reduce the impact of the pandemic on public health and the economy.