by Eleanor Gee

HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita will be the first person vaccinated with the first dose of COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine, along with frontliners at Falemasiva Hall, Havelu, on 15 April, announced Minister for Health Hon Dr ‘Amelia Tu’i’pulotu this morning.

The princess has volunteered to take part in the first vaccination rollout.

Ministry of Health CEO, Dr Reynold ‘Ofanoa said a date to vaccinate the King and Queen, who are on 'Eua Is., had not been set at this time.

The minister said the vaccine program for frontliners will run from tomorrow up to Saturday.

Next week, the vaccination program will continue in various communities for priority groups including those 45 years and over, and those who are over 18-years-old with non-communicable diseases and/or with disabilities.

“I invite all Tongans to register [2], it is important to register. This is the process to record your names during the vaccination program,” said the Minister.

Vaccination process

Registration helps to fast track the vaccinination process.

Once people have registered for the COVID-19 vaccine, all they need to do is turn-up to a vaccination venue with their identification card.  Once id's are matched with the online registration, people are vaccinated.

However, those who are not able to register online can still turn up at vaccination venues and register with assistance from the health teams.

Dr Veisinia Matoto-Vaha'i from the Ministry of Health said that after people are vaccinated they will be observed by health workers for 15-30 minutes.

“Although it rarely happens, people can develop an anaphylaxis reaction to the vaccine in that time.”

She said doctors, nurses, and an ambulance will be on standby at each of the vaccination venues, along with urgent treatments such as EpiPens, used to treat people who have serious allergic reactions.

Flu-like symptioms

During the first three days after the vaccination, people may experience mild flu like symptoms such as fevers, aching body, and headaches, she said. People can take panadol for these mild symptoms and rest. After three days, these symptoms should no longer appear.

However, Dr Matoto-Vaha'i said people should continue to observe if any further symptoms (such as swelling in the leg or arm) occur up to one month after vaccination.

Leaflets containing information on the side effects of the vaccine, including blood clotting, will be distributed to everyone who will be vaccinated so they are aware of the symptoms to look out for. The Ministry of Health contact details are also on the leaflets.

Dr Matoto-Vaha'i said if any of the symptoms occur, people should go to the hospital immediately.

A health card will be provided to everyone who has been vaccinated for COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the second dose of the vaccine will be administered in 8 - 12 weeks.

COVID-19 cases worldwide increasing

Globally, COVID-19 is continuing to spread with over 4.5 million new cases and 76,000 new deaths reported in the last week according to the World Health Organization epidemiological update report [3] released yesterday.

The Western Pacific Region recorded the largest increase of 189% in the number of deaths, mainly in the Philippines, followed by 47% in South-East Asia.