The effectiveness of the vaccine wears out after a while, which is why people need the booster shot to provide that renewed level of protection against COVID-19.

This message was echoed by the Health and Medical Services Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete yesterday when a villager of Nalotu, Yawe asked him if the COVID-19 booster shot was necessary.

During the talanoa session, villagers told him that they were hesitant and feared receiving the booster shot after hearing about the mass resignation of health staff under the No Jab, No Job policy.

Reassuring them of the safety of the vaccine, Dr Waqainabete said 98 per cent of Fijians had received their first dose.

“Some don’t want to get vaccinated because they say it’s for religious purposes and their beliefs,” he said.

“They are convinced not to receive the vaccination and have made their decision to resign but the Ministry will keep doing its job to raise awareness and encourage people to get vaccinated.”

He mentioned that 11,700 Fijians were yet to be vaccinated.