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Roll-out of third dose set for next week

9 December 2021 (CKT)

Pfizer and BioNTech – the companies that developed and manufacture the anti-covid vaccine we use here in the Cook Islands – say laboratory trials show a booster shot provides  protection against the new Omicron variant that is making it’s way around the world.

Minister of Health Hon. Vainetutai Rose Toki Brown says, “That’s good news, because we are set to roll out our third or ‘booster’ dose of the vaccine from Friday 17 Decemeber.

New Zealand is already administering booster shots to its resident population.

The vaccines will arrive on next Thursday’s flight and the vaccination roll-out will begin the following morning from 8am.

The roll-out for this third dose will follow the process that was used for the first two doses. The people of Nikao are first up (17-18 Dec.); followed by Avatiu, Ruatonga, Tutakimoa and Takuvaine (19-21 Dec.); Tupapa (22 Dec.); Matavera (23 Dec); Ngatangiia (24 Dec); Titikaveka (26 Dec.); and concluding the Rarotonga roll-out with Arorangi on 27-29 December.

The public is advised to come to the Social Centre for processing on their assigned days between 8am-6pm Monday to Friday or on Sunday’s between noon and 6pm.

And TMO is also inviting all vaccinated people who haven’t already submitted a copy of their passport or birth certificate to TMO to bring one along with them so that TMO can match these documents up with their COVID-19 vaccination records.in preparation for international travel regulations requiring travellers to prove their COVID-19 vaccination status.

Te Marae Ora is in the process of setting up a digital registration system for all Cook Islands residents who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Once complete, this system will assign all those who have been vaccinated a digital vaccination status certificate that can be stored on any portable smart device. Physical certificates will also be available for those without smart devices.

These certificates can then be used for travel purposes or in any other circumstances that may require you to verify your vaccination status.

Finally, please note that the Puna Clinics will be closed between Friday 17 December and Monday 10 January, to enable Puna staff to assist with the roll-out.

ENDS: For more information, please visit www.health.gov.ck or contact Jaewynn McKay; jaewynn.mckay@cookislands.gov.ck   +682 55486