Vaccination Numbers Spike Post Budget Announcement
Senior divisional medical officer Serua and Namosi, Dr Kapil Swamy confirmed that for the Serua and Namosi zones, 69.9 per cent of the population had received their first jab successfully.
Wednesday 28 July 2021 | 10:42
A long line of people waiting to be vaccinated at the Vashist Muni hall in Navua on July 24, 2021. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Daily vaccination numbers have more than tripled in the past few days in Navua, according to a vaccination team on the ground. According to the team, there were 313 people who visited the vaccination centre for their jabs in a single day compared to 50 or 60 people last week.
Vashist Muni Hall vaccination drive, team leader Inisi Teira said the sudden spike was seen following the 2021/2022 National Budget announcement – where the no jab, no job policy was emphasised and access to other services.
More civil servants, social welfare pension recipients and people from outer islands close to Navua were seen coming in for their first jab of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Related stories
Others came for their second jab.
Social Welfare pension recipients Unaisi Ratudina, 66, and her husband Uraia Mavua, 71, of Dakuni Village of Beqa Island paid $60 boat fare just to come to Navua Town for vaccination.
The couple had missed the medical team who visited the island last month.
“My husband and I had to come today for our first jab, as we were told without the vaccination card, we will not be able to enter into Navua or receive our next Social Welfare monthly pension,” said Mrs Ratudina.
She added the islanders must comply with the vaccination requirement now as Navua Town is the main centre for essential services and shopping needs.
Navua resident, Ragni Devi said she was happy to receive her second jab yesterday because now her family would be fully vaccinated.
“My son, daughter-in-law and now me are all fully vaccinated and I ask others to do the same for their family as this will help us fight the pandemic,” said Ms Devi.
She added, the news of increasing positive COVID-19 cases in Serua and Namosi provinces were frightening, and people should adhere to all safety measures in place and get fully vaccinated.
Vaccination update
Senior divisional medical officer Serua and Namosi, Dr Kapil Swamy confirmed that for the Serua and Namosi zones, 69.9 per cent of the population had received their first jab successfully.
Around 15.5 per cent were fully vaccinated.
Expectant mothers can now receive their first jab of the Moderna vaccine at the antenatal clinic in Navua, while the Vashist Muni Hall in Navua continue with their daily vaccination services.
Feedback: ronald.kumar@fijisun.com.fj
