Tonga's Ministry of Health today urged those aged 18 – 29 years to get their COVID-19 vaccinations, after it was revealed the age group had the lowest inoculation rate at 38% compared to older people.

“We appeal to those in the age group 18 – 29, those who look after children, school principals, and teachers, to assist us with this age group,” said Minister for Health, Hon. Dr ‘Amelia Tu’ipulotu.

“It is very important to the Ministry of Health to speed up the vaccination program and aim to reach over 90% for the first dose this month. The reason is the second dose must be administered by 12 November to complete the vaccination program.” she said.

Ministry of Health CEO, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola warned the delta COVID-19 variant is also affecting young people.

“If the delta comes to Tonga, they can get seriously ill, so they should take note of that.

“Remember, the vaccination needs 12 weeks between the 1^st and 2^nd dose. During the 12 weeks between doses, a person can catch the virus easily and that is one of the main reasons we are urging people to get vaccinated right now.”

They said that repatriating Tongans standed overseas depends on Tonga’s vaccination rate.

“And people in Tonga should understand that our people who are stranded overseas are finding it difficult and challenging. We can’t be complacent and take our time with the vaccination roll-out” he said.

“The return of these people depends on how good our vaccination rate is. And if we take it slow just because no one here has the virus, they will continue to suffer.”

"The quicker we all get vaccinated, the quicker we can assist people overseas."

Dr ‘Aku’ola said those stranded in other countries cannot be deported due to the pandemic under the International Health Regulation.

He said if these stranded people get sick from the pandemic, it is the responsibility of the country they are stranded in to care for them under the regulation.

Many countries around the world are members of the International Health Regulation including Tonga.

COVID-19 Vaccination rate

Around 27,433 people have been fully vaccinated in Tonga to date or 43% of the target population of 63,128.

Around 45,140 or 72% of the target population have had the first dose.

To date, 62% of the 30-39 age group and over 70% of those aged 40 and above have been fully inoculated.

COVID-19 misinformation

The Ministry of Health continues to face misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Hon Dr ‘Amelia Tu’ipulotu said there is a lot of misinformation circulating in Tonga.

“And the truth is we can’t rely on unreliable information during this difficult time. However, the silent majority provide their support [to the vaccination program] and I thank you all for your support.”

“It is not wise for the decision of the small group of people to affect the 100,000 population. We stand with our doctors in Tonga, the Tonga Medical Association, including 74 doctors and specialists in supporting the vaccination roll-out to protect and keep people safe.”

“Although we face challenges and difficulties, the Ministry of Health hands are tied to its national and societal obligation to the safety of the 100,000 population during this very difficult time.”

Adverse events

They reported that one serious adverse event was recorded recently after a person’s condition deteriorated four or five days after inoculation.

“There was a case of a woman who was very sick and after a medical investigation, it was confirmed the woman had septicemia,” said Dr ‘Akau’ola.

He said septicemia is a when a germ enters your blood veins that can form clots in the body.

“We call it gram-negative septicemia. And it can shock that person.”

The woman was treated in intensive care and had now recovered.

However, Dr ‘Akau’ola confirmed further assessments were being run, including sending a blood sample to New Zealand for testing.

Repatriates COVID-19 test results

Meanwhile, the 14 Chinese contractors repatriated from Vanuatu at the end of August tested negative for COVID-19 after arriving in Tonga, confirmed Hon Dr ‘Amelia Tu’ipulotu. They were completing the required time in quarantine.