By Linny Folau and Eleanor Gee

Around 31,600 doses of the Pfizer vaccine arrived from New Zealand last night, and started to roll out today for inoculations of 12 to 17-year-olds and pregnant women in Tonga. There is huge demand and competition for the Pfizer vaccine globally, and the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health and Tonga's CEO of Health all thanked New Zealand for making this “important gift”, which placed Tonga among the few privileged countries of the world to have it.

Following consultations with parent-teachers associations, the Ministry of Health planned to start today the roll out in schools around Tongatapu first. Young people with disabilities will also be vaccinated.

Prime Minister Hon. Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, who welcomed the arrival of the vaccines at Fua'amotu International Airport, extended the Government and people of Tonga’s gratitude to the New Zealand Government for the generous donation.

Great occasion 

Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola CEO of the Ministry of Health said this was a great occasion for the people of Tonga.

“When I heard about Pfizer I thought Tonga will never have it, not only because of the cost but because of the competition and demand globally from people especially those who have the money.”

He said “what we have seen today is the New Zealand Government's commitment to share with its Pacific neigbours, including Tonga.

“I am so happy to be here with the Prime Minister and Minister of Health to acknowledge this important gift.”

In addition, Dr 'Akau'ola said he sometimes wondered whether other developing countries have not only the Pfizer vaccine, but the opportunity to provide it to their younger populations.

"I think Tonga will be among the few privileged countries in the world, especially this time when there is a high demand, even in New Zealand there is a high demand but they are still able to share with us, so this is a very significant and happy event."

The Minister for Health Hon Dr ‘Amelia Tu’ipulotu reiterated the Tongan Government’s sincere gratitude to the New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Government.

“It is a historic day for Tonga and for the future of Tonga, the 12-17 years old and pregnant women,” she said.

The New Zealand High Commissioner HE Tiffany Babington was acknowledge “for her great leadership on the ground and supporting the Ministry of Health towards this historical day.

"This is so important as these vaccines will protect our children, unborn babies, future parents, mothers and fathers for the continual of Tonga."

The Minister also thanked the New Zealand Government’s ongoing support to the training of health staff and logistics to ensure that the vaccine is safe and is of high quality, when it is deployed to the children.

Ongoing support

HE Tiffany Babington said that New Zealand through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Ministry of Health, was pleased to donate up to 31,600 of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to Ministry of Health, to support Tonga's target vaccination of its eligible population, particularly 12-17 years old and pregnant women. 

“In addition, to providing the vaccines we are working closely with Health to provide vaccine consumables, training to support its roll out, logistics and others.”

“Tonga may still require additional vaccine to complete its roll out to its eligible population and I want to reiterate New Zealand’s continuing support to make available our portfolio of vaccines for Tonga and other Polynesian countries as needed to help you achieve full vaccination coverage against COVID-19,” she said.

She also acknowledged the Tongan Government and Ministry of Health's continuing public health leadership in encouraging people to get vaccinated.