Over 5,367 receive COVID-19 vaccine [1]
Monday, April 26, 2021 - 19:02. Updated on Monday, April 26, 2021 - 19:12.
Around 5,367 people have received their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to date, confirmed the Ministry of Health this morning, after the vaccination program was rolled out on 15-17 April to frontliners and then in the communities last week.
At least 639 people on average per day were vaccinated at locations in Kolomotu’a, Kolofo’ou, and Ma’ufanga.
The Ministry said 26% of the first batch of vaccines received in Tonga has been used with no wastage reported.
At least 6,441 people have been registered so far, including 1,349 people pre-registering online.
There were no extreme allergic reactions to the vaccinations reported to date. Less than one percent (0.5%) of people vaccinated reported mild symptoms such as feeling lethargic, body aches, dizziness at times, and chills. Those who sought medical attention were also assessed and found to be in a stable condition, according to the Ministry of Health.
The COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccination [2] program continues this week starting in Fanga, Haveluloto and Tofoa today.
The communities of Pea, Ha’ateiho and Lotoha’apai, Tokomololo and Mataliku, Lomaiviti and Hauloto, Matangiake, Kahoua and Liahona will be vaccinated tomorrow, before the program continues to Vaini, Nualei, Malapo and other communities up to Lapaha by the end of the week.
The Ministry of Health is prioritizing people aged 45 years and above as well as those aged 18 years and over who have non-communicable diseases and / or who are living with disabilities.
The vaccination venues will be open from 8:00am to 4:00pm daily.
People can register online [3] or in person at one of the locations and must show their identification card (National ID, Drivers Licence, Passport, or birth certificate) on arrival at the venues.
The vaccination program for Tongatapu will end at ‘Atata Island on 8 May.