Eighty-one-year-old Kereiwasa Vunisa led her fellow villagers of Matawailevu in Nalawa, Ra, to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine yesterday. The exciting moment has allowed Matawailevu Village to become the first throughout the 92 villages in Ra to have all their adult villagers vaccinated. This was confirmed by the Matawailevu Village Turaga Ni Koro (headman), Isaia Vonowale.

After getting her first shot yesterday, Ms Vunisa said she felt relieved knowing that she was on her way to protecting herself and her family from the deadly virus.

She said being the eldest villager was an opportunity to get the other villagers to get vaccinated.

“I feel relieved after getting my first dose of the vaccine today (yesterday) and I also encourage all villagers in Fiji to go and get vaccinated,” she said.

Another villager, Adi Alisi Catanalotu, 80 also got her first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. She encourages all families to get their jab.

“I didn’t feel any pain, it is normal for me,” she said.

Kesi Naloma, 74 who is the Turaga Ni Mataqali Nasilimai said it was encouraging to see the people say yes to getting vaccinated.

The villagers are now looking forward to receiving their second jab.

nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj