By Eleanor Gee and Linny Folau

HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita was the first person vaccinated in the Tonga roll-out, receiving her first dose of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, along with frontline workers, at Falemasiva Hall in Havelu, Tongatapu today.

The Princess volunteered to take part along with her husband Lord Tuita and the Prime Minister Hon. Rev. Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa.

“This is a historical day for Tonga, a day we had prayed for, a day of hope, as we launch the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine. We are truly humbled that HRH is to be first to be vaccinated, a support that is monumental, said Acting CEO for Health Dr Reynold ‘Ofanoa, who also received his first shot.

He said, today according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 136 million people have contracted COVID-19 with 2.9 million lives lost worldwide.

Tonga is fortunate to remain COVID free. This was achieved through cooperation during these unprecented times, which had strengthened relationships between the PM and other countries, church leaders, NGOs, relevant stateksholders and our people, he said.

Be prepared

"It is imperative that we prepare for a time should the pandemic appear on our shores. This COVID-19 vaccine rollout is a key milestone in protecting our people from the virus."

Tonga's first 24,000 doses of the vaccine which arrived on March 31, was secured from the COVAX facility, after dialogues and negotiations led by the Minister of Health. He acknowledged WHO and UNICEF in facilitiating this process. It is enough to vaccinate bout 20,000 people from the most vulnerable target group who will receive their first dose over the coming weeks.

“Today is a blessing, it is the fruition of health officials hard work and while we are COVID-19 free, COVAX has granted us with this vaccine, which highlights the spirit of equitable distribution,” he said. "The vaccine is not limited to the wealthy or the most developed countries, but it is shared and today Tonga gladly launches its deployment."

The COVAX Facility is commited to providing further doses. He said a total of 43,200 doses from COVAX will cover 20 percent of Tonga’s eligible population,

However, Tonga has around 70,000 people that are aged 18 years and over.

Dr 'Ofanoa also reassured the public, that latest evidence from three countries showed that this vaccine's prevention rate against COVID-19, has increased from 70 to 76 percent, after two doses.

“While AstraZeneca-Oxford will not provide 100 percent protection, it is highly effective in preventing severe COVID-19 diseases. We urge the public to continue practicing prevention measures, such as handwashing and stay home if unwell with repiratory symptoms, among others,” he said.

Princess Pilolevu gave thanks, and applauded stakeholders in joint efforts that have ensured Tonga remains COVID-19 free, after a year. She commended Government, the PM,, Minister of Health and health officials for excellent planning, and standing together with other frontline workers such as Police and HMAF.

“There is a proverb that states, prevention is better than cure and we need to follow Government’s COVID-19 plan and that includes being vaccinated for preparation,” she said.

"Our country’s strength is working together and the message here today is that we can win if we work together because we are one, because we have this one chance, one life, we have only one family, one country and one God."

She wished the program all the best in its roll-out.

Frontline workers and people vulnerable to the virus will be the first to receive the jab, which will run until Saturday, April 17. This includes staff from the Ministry of Health, Tonga Police, His Majesty’s Armed Forces, Tonga Fire and Emergency Services, the ports and airport workers, and church leaders.

The vaccine roll-out will be managed by a National Technical Working Group, working closely with the World Health Organization and UNICEF to support health workers and all stakeholders involved.

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. The Ministry of Health has released a vaccination schedule for people who reside in Kolomotu’a and Kolofo’ou districts, and are in the priority group, at various venues from19 – 23 April.

https://matangitonga.to/2021/04/14/covid-19-vaccine-timetable-kolomotua-... [2]