COVID-19 vaccinations continue next week in Tongatapu [1]
Friday, May 7, 2021 - 17:52
By Eleanor Gee
With only 60% of the first batch of Tonga's COVID-19 vaccines used as of this morning 7 May, the Ministry of Health is extending the vaccination program to next week, 10-11 May at various venues.
People who are eligible for vaccination include those over the age of 35 years, and those over the age of 18 years who have non-communicable diseases, and / or have a disability.
The venues for next week include:
- Queen Salote Memorial Hall, available to Kolofo'ou eligible population and others in the Nuku'alofa area
- NCD Centre, Vaiola Hospital - available to all who are eligible
- Kolotolu Hall, Hala'ovave - for the Kolomotu'a eligible population
- Joseph Hall, Ma'ufanga - for the Ma'ufanga eligible population
The Ministry of Health also confirmed that those from the outer islands who are currently in Tongatapu can get vaccinated, however they will also need to be here for their second dose, as the rollout is still ongoing for the Tongatapu area.
As at today, 16,683 people have been vaccinated, with an average of 912 people vaccinated daily. This is an increase from the first week of the vaccination rollout when the average was 639 people vaccinated daily.
Around 17,686 people have been registered so far.
Health reports that none of the vaccines have been wasted, and no extreme allergic reactions have been reported.
The Ministry has a total of 150 staff working on the vaccination rollout.