President Jioji Konrote and Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama got their second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, AstraZeneca today.
Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong says the President and the Prime Minister have encouraged every eligible Fijian to follow their lead in protecting themselves from COVID-19.
He says many others have done the same.
Doctor Fong says it takes two weeks after receiving the second dose of the vaccine for the full benefits of immunity to set in.
He says we are very fortunate to have these vaccines available and on the way.
The target population for vaccinations is just over 586,000 adults and they are aiming to vaccinate as many of those Fijians as possible as quickly as those vaccines arrive.
He says when we have achieved adequate levels of immunity, the Ministry can begin relaxing restrictions and allow for the possibility of international travel to Fiji.
Doctor Fong says until that day, we must practice strict adherence to the health measures like mask-wearing, handwashing, and physical distancing.
He says their work is not done as their mission is to fully vaccinate every eligible Fijian.
Doctor Fong says there are people in intensive care as he speaks due to COVID-19 and the doctors and nurses are going to every possible length to care for them.
He says the more vaccines they administer, the more Fijians we keep out of ICUs and in the arms of the families that love them.
Doctor Fong stresses that morally, medically, vaccines are the right choice for all of us.
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