Nobody who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 has died from it, says Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong. He said of the 59 COVID-19 related deaths, the ministry so far reported nine had one dose only .

“So nobody with two doses has died,”Dr Fong said. “One dose is 32 per cent effective in reducing hospitalisation, while two doses reduced the risk of hospitalisation by 92 per cent.”

Hence, he said, this was the reason the daily press release on the update of COVID-19 cases reveals whether the deceased was vaccinated or not.

“Remember, you only get full protection, or immunity, from COVID-19 two weeks after getting the second dose of the vaccine,” Dr Fong said.

“Individuals who have received the first dose of AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine between April 5 and 16, are urged to go to the nearest COVID-19 vaccination site to receive their second dose.”

He added that two doses of COVID-19 vaccine provides the best protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death by the disease.

Feedback:  shratikan@fijisun.com.fj