Lautoka resident, Ravin Chand and his wife, Ranjila Devi, were among the first group of people who received their COVID-19 vaccine jabs at Lautoka’s first ever drive-through vaccination yesterday.

The drive-through vaccination that took place at Lautoka’s South Seas Club from 9am to 4pm saw more than 100 residents turn up in their vehicles or had walked through to get their first and second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Mr Chand, 67, and Ms Devi, 63 received their second dose and were content to be fully vaccinated.

“I am happy with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ idea to bring the drive-through vaccination to Lautoka. We can now sit in the comfort of our own cars and receive our doses,” Mr Chand said.

Lautoka resident, Ravin Chand receives his second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine at the first drive-through vaccination at the South Seas Club on July 21, 2021. Photo: Nicolette Chambers.

Peni Nasilokia and his wife, Fane Tilly after getting their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine at the first drive-through vaccination at the South Seas Club on July 21, 2021. Photo: Nicolette Chambers.

Peni Nasilokia, 56, and his wife, Fane Tilly, 45, of Velovelo, who turned up to receive their first COVID-19 doses, were also appreciative to the ministry and Police for the efficient time spent to ensure the smooth flow in the drive-through.

“We arrived at around 9am and within the next 30 minutes we were done. It was very quick and we are now eager to receive our second jab,” said Mr Nasilokia.

A health official and Police officer assisting the people at the first drive-through vaccination at the South Seas Club on July 21, 2021. Photo: Nicolette Chambers.

Head of Fiji’s COVID-19 Vaccination Taskforce, Dr Rachel Devi, said the Ministry of Health and Medical Services was aiming to achieve 80 per cent of residents getting at least their first dose.

“In the next two weeks we are targeting above 80 per cent for Lautoka and Yasawa itself and having said that, we are starting with the Yasawas and the Mamanucas in the coming weeks, so at least that green zone will be covered in the coming weeks as well,” she said.

Health officials attend to those who turned up to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at the first drive-through vaccination at the South Seas Club on July 21, 2021. Photo: Nicolette Chambers.

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