NUKU’ALOFA (RNZ Pacific) — Tonga’s Princess Pilolevu Tuita was the first person to receive her first dose of the Covid-19 AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, followed by frontline workers on Tongatapu.
The Princess volunteered to take part along with her husband, Lord Tuita and Prime Minister Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa.
Acting CEO for Health Dr Reynold ‘Ofanoa also received his first shot.
“This is a historical day for Tonga, a day we had prayed for, a day of hope, as we launch the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine,” ‘Ofanoa said.
“We are truly humbled that Her Royal Highness is to be first to be vaccinated, a support that is monumental.”
According to the World Health Organization, he added, 136 million people have contracted Covid-19 with 2.9 million lives lost world-wide.
Tonga is fortunate to remain Covid-19 free, ‘Ofanoa said.
That has been achieved through cooperation during unprecedented times, which has strengthened relationships between the prime minister and other countries, church leaders, non-government organizations, relevant stakeholders and the people, he said.
“It is imperative that we prepare for a time should the pandemic appear on our shores. This Covid-19 vaccine rollout is a key milestone in protecting our people from the virus,” ‘Ofanoa said.
Tonga’s first 24,000 doses of the vaccine, which arrived on March 31, were secured from the Covax facility, after negotiations led by the Minister of Health.
‘Ofanoa also acknowledged the WHO and UNICEF for facilitating the arrival of the doses which are enough to vaccinate about 20,000 people from the most vulnerable target group who would receive their first dose over the coming weeks.
The Covax facility is committed to providing further doses, ‘Ofanoa said.
A total of 43,200 doses from Covax will cover 20% of Tonga’s eligible population,
‘Ofanoa noted that the latest evidence from three countries shows that the vaccine’s prevention rate against Covid-19 has increased from 70 to 76% after two doses.
“While AstraZeneca-Oxford will not provide 100% protection, it is highly effective in preventing severe Covid-19 diseases.
“We urge the public to continue practicing prevention measures, such as handwashing and stay home if unwell with respiratory symptoms, among others.”
For her part, Princess Pilolevu, citing a proverb, said prevention is better than cure.
Frontline workers and people vulnerable to the virus will be the first to receive the jab.
That included staff from the Ministry of Health, Tonga Police, His Majesty’s Armed Forces, Tonga Fire and Emergency Services, the ports and airport workers, and church leaders.
The vaccine roll-out will be managed by a National Technical Working Group working with the World Health Organization and UNICEF to support health workers and all stakeholders involved.
The vaccination program will continue in various communities for priority groups, including those 45 years and over, and those who are over 18 years old with non-communicable diseases and/or with disabilities.
Pilolevu Tuita
