25,778 fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in Tonga [1]
Friday, August 13, 2021 - 18:16
To date, 25,778 people have received the second dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Tonga and are fully vaccinated against the virus, confirmed the Ministry of Health CEO, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola this afternoon.
Of the 28,841 people had received their first dose of the vaccine, about 11% of those still need a second dose. The roll out in the communities runs until August 31.
In Vava’u, 7,379 people have been vaccinated with the first dose to date.
Meanwhile, the 10,000 AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses that arrived earlier this week from Australia will be sent to Ha’apai and the Niuas.
Dr ‘Akau’ola said Ha’apai will start its vaccination in the next week or two, while the Niuas will start in the middle of September.
More COVID vaccines are expected to arrive in Tonga. This includes a batch funded by Japan through COVAX later this month, and another shipment including Pfizer doses, funded by New Zealand, expected at the end of the month or before the end of the year.
The Pfizer doses will be reserved for youth aged 12 to 17-years-old and pregnant women who want to be inoculated against the virus. However, pregnant women who want to be vaccinated will be provided information on the risks involved prior to getting their shots.