By Linny Folau

The inoculation of 12-17 years-old with the Pfizer vaccine at schools in Tongatapu continued today to Tonga High School senior students to protect them against COVID-19.

Senior students from Form 5-7 levels queued up to get their first jab of the Pfizer vaccine, at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall. Students at lower levels are expected to get their first shots later, after their examinations.

The Pfizer roll-out to schools began on October 21 in Tongatapu. The schools inoculation continues next week.

Around 31,600 doses of Tonga's first Pfizer vaccines arrived in Tonga from New Zealand on October 20.

The Prime Minister Hon Dr Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, Minister of Health Hon 'Amelia Tu'ipulotu and Tonga's CEO of Health Dr Siale 'Akau'ola all thanked New Zealand for making this important gift, which placed Tonga among the few privileged countries of the world to have it.

Town Officers and church groups in each village are expected to assist health teams to also reach out to families with young children who are not registered at schools.

At the same time today, the Ministry of Health teamed up with local counterparts, including Radio 88.6 FM in a 'LetsGetVax' drive at Tanoa Hotel. This is aimed to get more adults (18+) to get vaccinated with the Astra-Zeneca vaccine, from 9:00am-9:00pm.

The promotion also has Digicel giving away prizes to entice people to come in.