Fijians above 60 years of age and have medical conditions such as chronic lung disease, significant cardiac disease, severe obesity, diabetes, liver disease and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are encouraged to get the Moderna vaccine for protection.
The government in a recent statement noted that this new COVID-19 vaccine is expected to arrive in the country soon.
“An individual requires two doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for full protection, with the second dose to be administered 28 days after the first dose,” the statement said.
“The Ministry of Health recommends people to receive the same type of COVID-19 vaccine for both first and second doses without mixing them.
“This means a person who received the Moderna vaccine as first dose should get the same Moderna for the second dose and the same applies to the AstraZeneca vaccine.”
The statement also highlighted that the new vaccine would boost the Health Ministry’s ongoing vaccination efforts.
The new vaccine would allow eligible individuals, 18 years and older, including pregnant women to get vaccinated.
“Soon women who are pregnant will receive the Moderna vaccine to protect themselves against the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and other consequences of COVID-19.
“While the AstraZeneca vaccine also protects pregnant mothers from severe illness, hospitalisation and other consequences of COVID-19, the Moderna vaccine will allow earlier immunity protection for women, as the second dose is administered after 28 days.
“Like the AstraZeneca vaccines, two doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine can protect individuals from severe illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19.”
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine comes into the country with the support of the United States of America under the COVAX Facility vaccine share mechanism – a worldwide initiative aimed at fair access to COVID-19 vaccines directed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, CEPI, WHO and UNICEF.
