The AstraZeneca vaccine is the key that will open up the gates to a normal life in Fiji, says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
He made the comment after receiving his second jab on Thursday and urged Fijians to get inoculated.
“This vaccine is not only the right thing for each individual’s health and safety,” he said.
“It is the key that will open the gates to a normal life in Fiji. I urge you to get vaccinated for yourself and your family. Get vaccinated for your fellow Fijians and get vaccinated for your country.”
Mr Bainimarama said vaccines had saved the world from diseases that used to cause untold misery – such as smallpox and polio. He said the AstraZeneca vaccine was no different.
“I would have waited gladly for my vaccination until every Fijian received theirs but I want to show everyone that I believe in the vaccine that I am asking you to accept.
“Thanks to our friends in Australia, India and New Zealand, we are guaranteed enough vaccines to inoculate our adult population within a few months.”
Mr Bainimarama said almost half the country’s adults had received one dose and a good number had received two.
“At the pace we are on, enough Fijians will be vaccinated for us to turn the page on this bleak period in our history and start to live a normal life again.
“We will socialise again. We will play sports again. We will gather in houses of worship again. And we will welcome visitors back. That is surely something to look forward to.”
