Booster dose vaccines have been taken by 14,884 eligible Fijians in the Northern Division.

This is in the bid to wane the potential contraction of the COVID-19 virus in Vanua Levu.

Divisional Medical Officer Northern, Dr Tiko Saumalua, in confirming the numbers, expressed his gratitude to those individuals who stepped up to understand the potential risks of the virus.

Dr Saumalua said medical teams at various health facilities had been encouraged to receive both booster shots for their safety and that of their patients.

He said that the immunity of the vaccine against COVID waned out over a period of time and this was why the Government and Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MOHMS) were advocating booster vaccination.

“Our ministry collaborates with the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the data available to try and understand the longevity of the series of the primary vaccines and how boosters will create a better barrier against the virus,” he said.

People who wish to receive their first booster shot must do so three months prior to their second dose.

Dr Saumalua said the Macuata Subdivision recorded 10, 239 adults getting vaccinated.

Cakaudrove Subdivision had 2251 people coming forward to get vaccinated while Taveuni and Bua subdivisions noted a steady growth of 1704 and 690 people respectively getting administrated.

Medical teams were prepared to assist communities in having booster awareness or vaccination camps set up in their villages or settlements.

“We have received no requests from communities, villages and settlements,” he said.

During Special Outpatient Department Clinics (SOPD), teams continued to encourage people to make wise health decisions, especially the vulnerable and elderly, to not miss the opportunity of being fully immunised against the COVID virus.

Dr Saumalua encouraged all Northerners and Fijians in the country to safeguard their health by ensuring that had the best immunity against the killer virus

 feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj