UN Resident Coordinator receives booster shot from Ministry of Health, warns that COVID-19 is not over

This morning, UN Resident Coordinator to Fiji, Dirk Wagener, received his COVID-19 booster shot at the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services. He received the Pfizer Variant Containing Vaccine (VCV) which is a more advanced vaccine that provides protection against the omicron variant, which has posed new challenges. 

While there remains a high population immunity from past COVID-19 infection and through vaccination, COVID-19 continues to spread and endanger people's lives. The most updated advice from the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, get at least one dose. For people who are older, have chronic diseases, are immunocompromised or pregnant, re-vaccination may be needed 6-12 months after the person’s most recent dose.

Mr. Wagener expressed gratitude to Fiji’s health workers and the Ministry for their continued work against COVID-19.

“I’d like to thank the team from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for their tireless efforts to continue providing booster shots and making vaccines available for the people of Fiji, because COVID-19 is not over, it is still circulating, and I hope people will continue to check their vaccination status,” said Mr. Wagener.

“COVID-19 continues to be a particular threat to people who are older, have chronic diseases, or are immunocompromised or pregnant. I encourage everyone who has not yet, to get the COVID-19 vaccine in order to lower the risk of severe illness and death,” he added.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe disease and deaths. Over 13 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered globally since 2021, with careful monitoring of side effects. In 2021 alone, COVID-19 vaccines saved an estimated 14.4 million lives worldwide.

ENDS