By Eleanor Gee

Those in Tonga aged 18 and above are urged to get inoculated before the current stock of AstraZeneca vaccines expire on 13 December.

Ministry of Health CEO Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola stressed that those above 18-years-old who have not had their first dose to please come from now until 13 December 2021 to get their first doses.

“At the same time, those who have had first doses and are due for their second dose anytime in December 2021, can also come before the end of 13 December 2021 to have their second doses too.”

“Lastly, we also encourage those who are overdue to get their second doses to come too.”

According to the Ministry of Health, “only a few thousand doses of AstraZeneca” gifted by Australia are remaining.

While the stock of Pfizer vaccines for 12-17 year olds will expire on December 20.

Vaccination numbers

As at 9 December, 95% of those aged 18 and above have had their first doses while 73% have been fully vaccinated.

“Of 12-17 years old, 96% have had first doses and 60% full vaccination,” said Dr 'Akau'ola.

“So overall, of the above 12-years-old, 96% have had first doses and 71% full vaccination.”

The eligible population (76,911) includes 63,128 aged 18 years and over, and 13,783 aged 12-17-years.

The Ministry of Health aims to fully vaccinate 70% of Tonga's total population of 105,924.

Around 69.4 % of the total population have received their first dose, while 51.4% of the total population have been fully vaccinated.