More than 80% registered and 698 people vaccinated against COVID 19

More than one thousand people have registered for the Pfizer vaccine or around 80% of the eligible population of 1,200 people over the age of 16.

Grizelda Mokoia, Head of Public Health team of the Department confirmed that just under 700 people have received their first dose, exactly 698 people since the first 32 doses were administered two weeks ago.

The health department had planned on vaccinating 150 people per day for the four days last week but they vaccinated an average of 166 per day.

Ms Mokoia says that they are grateful for the people who heeded the call to vaccinate to protect the island especially the children who are not eligible for the vaccine.

This week the Health Department is expecting their final 600 doses of the vaccine to arrive on Tuesday and will commence the final roll out of the first phase.

“This will be the last week for the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine and then we will have seven days break and then we will continue after the 21 days with the second dose”.

Ms Mokoia is encouraging the remaining less than 20% of the population who have yet to register to get in touch with the Niuefoou hospital to do so because this week will be the last opportunity to take your first vaccine.

“Please get in touch with the team today and tomorrow because we will start again on Wednesday”.

After this week, the staff of Niuefoou will have seven days break from vaccinations until they resume with the second dose roll-out.

Grizelda Mokoia says that they also appreciate and thankful for the support of their families and the New Zealand High Commission and the Education Department for the refreshments delivered to the Health department during the four days of vaccinations this week.