COVID-19 vaccination rates reach 80% as cases continue to rise

15 Dec COVID-19 vaccination rates reach 80% as cases continue to rise

2022/02/11 – While fear has gripped the nation as the pandemic quickly spreads, the Ministry of Health has ramped up its ambitions in vaccinating the nation. Several stations have been established for ease of access for the public to get their vaccinations.

Ongoing vaccination programs are continuing even through lockdown for many to get their vaccines and even booster vaccines.

Reports from concerned citizens have spoken to talk back radio shows saying they have been turned away were brough up by representatives of the media during the press conferences and was told that a window of 6 months is a pre-requisite for vaccines and booster shots – those turned away would not have qualified for booster shots.

The World Health Organization has continued to press upon developed nations in contributing to the vaccination roll out program for developing nations. Concerns are that if developing nations are not fully vaccinated there are various issues at stake including the pandemic continuing to replicate and becoming further perilous than the Omicron and Delta strain. The implications of which for the economic development of developed nations will far outweigh the costs of contributing to the vaccination programs.

As positive cases for COVID continue to rise in Tonga, vaccination sites are promoted through text messages and drive by loud speaker announcements organized by the Town Officers.

Due to resource constraints the Community Police stations continue to enhancement policing in communities. However, despite precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the community police there still is apprehension  that these gathering will only increase the spread of COVID-19.