Last Updated on 2 years by Publishing Team

24^th March 2022

Public Advisory

COVID – 19 Booster dose intervals shortened to 3 months after 2^nd dose.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has updated its recommendation for the COVID-19 booster dose, shortening the interval between the 2^nd dose and the booster dose.

Receiving booster doses is a way to increase protection through the strengthening of the body’s immune system. Global evidence from other countries has indicated that it is safe and effective to reduce the interval of the 2^nd and booster dose to three (3) months, and many countries such as Australia and New Zealand have included the amended timeframe for receiving booster doses in their COVID-19 vaccination program.

Effective from 25^th March 2022, Fijians aged 18 years and above who completed their primary dose (two-dose series) of COVID-19 vaccines, can receive their Moderna or Pfizer booster dose three (3) months after the second dose.

The booster dose will ensure that the protection against COVID-19 is even stronger and longer-lasting. A booster dose increases your protection against:

• Infection with the virus that causes COVID-19;
• Severe disease; and
• Dying from COVID-19.

Since the beginning of the nationwide COVID-19 booster program, at least 109,310 Fijians have received the booster dose. Fiji has to date, not witnessed any severe illness, hospitalization, or death of COVID-19 patients who have received their booster doses.

To help the keep lives of Fijians safe and protected from COVID-19, the Ministry of Health urges all booster eligible individuals to get receive their third dose of the COVID-19 vaccination.