Thirty-three people, out of the 39 who died from COVID-19, were not vaccinated, as of Tuesday July 6, 2021.

Only six people who died from the global killer virus had received their first jab.

Of the 39 dead, 26 were over the age of 60, nine were aged between 40 and 60, while four were under 40 years old. When the virus gripped the world in 2020, it was then announced that the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions would be the most vulnerable.

This is now being seen in the number of deaths recorded in Fiji so far.

Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said vaccination was proven to reduce transmission of the virus and ultimately those who become sick and die.

“We know vaccinations with AstraZeneca reduces by 92 per cent hospitalisations and death with the Delta Variant,” he said.

“There are many variants that have developed from SARS-CoV 2 and the quicker the targeted national population for vaccination is achieved with two doses; then we are all protected. The full vaccination has two important or protective measures. It has personal protection for you. It has community herd protection if the targeted population number is reached.”

So far, 55 per cent of the target population have been given at least one dose of the vaccine while only nine per cent of the target population are fully vaccinated.

Suva and Lami special administrator chair Isikeli Tikoduadua said the council realised the need for vaccination and how it would save people and help restore the economy. He said the council was thinking of using the “No Jab” policy for entry into certain public areas. He said it was becoming a real concern.

“The scientific evidence is out there. For the council, vaccination is the way forward,” he said.

The oldest person to have been vaccinated according to health records is 102 years old.

While more people are coming forward to get vaccinated and numbers slowly increase, the anti-vaxxers still remain. It has also been clarified that choosing to get vaccinated or not was a Constitutional right, which people could choose.

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