You can now choose to receive the second dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine after 6 weeks

You can now choose to receive the second dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at an interval of 6 weeks after the first dose.

Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, Dr James Fong says any person aged 18 years and above who has received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine can receive the second dose after an interval period of 6 weeks to 8 weeks.

He says despite the easing of restrictions after more than 80 percent of Fiji's eligible target population have been fully vaccinated, COVID-19 is still present in the country.

Doctor Fong stresses that there are still cases of COVID-19 in the communities.

He says COVID-19 vaccines remain the best defence against the deadly virus.

Doctor Fong adds it is important to get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to gain maximum protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death from the virus.

He also says AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines are also safe to be administered to pregnant women.