Suva City Council chairman Isikeli Tikoduadua is encouraging the public to seize the opportunity and take the COVID-19 vaccine at the first drive-through vaccination exercise which began at the Albert Park yesterday.

Mr Tikoduadua said the exercise was the result of discussions on how to make vaccination more convenient for the public, and he was pleased with the response. It was a joint effort between the Council and the Ministry of Health.

Mr Tikoduadua hopes that other municipal councils would follow the same exercise.

It was noted that since the start of the exercise, there continues to be a constant flow of vehicles at Albert Park.

“The reason behind this drive-through initiative was because there were people who were hesitant to go to the vaccination sites because of the crowds and the protocols that needed to be followed.

“The way people mingles at the vaccination sites,  they can even be spreading the virus. There are some who are physically challenged and can’t go so these sites.”

Mr Tikoduadua thank the Fiji Police Force for directing and controlling the traffic during the vaccination drive-through exercise.

“People are comfortable to get the jab at the drive-through because they are within their bubble and they get the injection while they are still in their vehicle.

“The reason we did this is because the Suva, Nausori and Lami corridor has a lot of people who have vehicles.

“We want to test this for a week or two to see how it turns out and if the municipal wants to do something like this then they are welcome to do so.

“We are happy and surprised at the vehicles lined up in the drive-through which indicates that there are people who are concerned about COVID-19.

Persons can access their first or second doses at the drive-through site.

Feedback:  wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj