Fijians can choose to receive the second dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at an interval of six weeks after the first dose, says Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr James Fong.
“Any person aged 18 years and above who has received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine can receive the second dose after an interval period of six weeks to 8 weeks,” he said in a statement issued yesterday.
“Despite the easing of restrictions after more than 80 per cent of Fiji’s eligible target population have been fully vaccinated, COVID-19 is still present in the country. There are still cases of COVID-19 in the communities.
Therefore, COVID-19 vaccines remain the best defence against the deadly virus. It is important to get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to gain maximum protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death from the virus.”
Dr Fong said AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines were also safe to be administered to pregnant women.
Initially, the Health Ministry had advised that Fijians receive the second dose within 12 weeks of their first jab. |
