Bi First In Line At 5.45am For First Jab
She took a 15-minute bus ride from Tabicola to reach the school gates early. Ms Bi was joined by many others later in Labasa, who turned up in big numbers to get vaccinated. The school gates opened at 9am.
Thursday 24 June 2021 | 16:29
Mehnaz Bi (standing front/ second from left) outside the gate at St Mary’s Primary School in Labasa on June 23, 2021. Physical distancing was practised at the school during the COVID-19 vaccination drive. Photos: Laisa Lui
First in line, Mehnaz Bi of Tabicola was so eager to get her first COVID-19 vaccine yesterday that she stood waiting outside the gates of St Mary’s Primary School at 5.45am.
She took a 15-minute bus ride from Tabicola to reach the school gates early. Ms Bi was joined by many others later in Labasa, who turned up in big numbers to get vaccinated. The school gates opened at 9am.
“I want to get vaccinated to protect myself and my family from the coronavirus,” Ms Bi said.
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“I also work as a sales assistant and by getting jabbed I am also protecting myself from customers who come to our store.”
Although Ms Bi waited for more than three hours to get her COVID Shield vaccine, she said it was worth it.
Health Inspector Shaniya Tripti Kumar is now fully vaccinated after receiving her second jab.
“As a frontline worker, it is important that we get the jab to protect ourselves from the virus,” Ms Kumar said.
“I had a slight headache after getting my first jab, but with the second jab I feel fine. I am encouraging everyone to get vaccinated for protection. Together, we can fight this virus.”
Ms Kumar is also urging the general public not to spread false rumours about the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Despite the big turnout at St Mary’s, only 199 vaccines were available for those receiving their first or second doses.
Residents who missed out yesterday at St Mary’s were told to go to All Saints Secondary School for their jabs.
St Mary’s and All Saints will open again today from 9am to 4pm for residents wanting to get their first or second dose.
Only the AstraZeneca vaccine is administered at All Saints Secondary School while both COVID Shield and AstraZeneca vaccines are administered at St Mary’s.
Labasa Medical Superintendent Dr Jaoji Vulibeci said they would continue to roll out the vaccination drive in the Northern Division for the entire week.
He said there were enough vaccines to go around but they would send a request to authorities in Suva to send over more.
“The vaccination will be at the same venues and we will look for another venue as the number of people coming for the vaccination increases,” Dr Vulibeci said.
In Taveuni, residents who need their second dose, can visit the Waiyevo Health Centre today from 8.30am.
Feedback: laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj
