Fiji’s first recipient of the COVID-19 vaccine is encouraging people to take the shot to reduce the risk of having severe illness and hospitalisation.
Dr Mara Vukivukiseru, a consultant anaesthetic at the Lautoka hospital, said he had not felt any side effects since he had received the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccination shot yesterday.
“I’m still standing up, I’m still enjoying my meals and still enjoying the company of my colleagues,” he said.
The medical professional – originally from Ucunivanua, Verata in Tailevu – said it was important that people removed any doubts they had about the vaccine because it would guarantee that the whole of Fiji got vaccinated and be protected from the pandemic.
“This is just the extra layer of protection like any other illness such as polio and influenza, so once you get this sort of vaccine, you would be assured and confident that you would be protected from the severe part of COVID-19.”
Dr Vukivukiseru was among the first group of 10 front line workers who received their first of two vaccination shots, with the second dosage to be injected on May 19, 2021.
Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said Fiji was targeting 1.2 million doses of the vaccine and was aiming to vaccinate 600,000 people.
