Health ministry Te Marae Ora is happy to report that the rollout of our COVID-19 vaccination program has been progressing at pace and consistently ahead of schedule from the time the first vials of vaccine arrived in-country on May 17.
As of May 25, approximately 80 per cent of Rarotonga’s eligible population had received their first dose of the vaccine, with that total on track to reach 90 per cent by the end of today.
“I am extremely pleased with the way the rollout is going,” said Secretary of Health Bob Williams.
“To have so many of our population with their first dose already done is a credit to both the dedication of our Te Marae Ora staff and volunteers, and to the willingness of our people to turn out for this life-saving vaccine.”
The number of vaccine doses administered each day climbed to a high of 1000 on May 24, up from the previous daily high of 815 on May 22. A total of 877 doses were administered yesterday.
Current stocks of the vaccine are now almost exhausted, which will allow the vaccination team time for a well-earned break before the new batch of vaccine vials arrives from New Zealand on Friday, May 28 and vaccination recommences that afternoon.
“While we have almost used up our current stocks, there is no need for anyone to worry about missing out on their first dose of the vaccine,” said Secretary Williams.
“The vials arriving on Friday’s flight will contain enough vaccine to ensure that all of our remaining eligible population on Rarotonga can receive their first dose.”
At this time Secretary Williams would also like to encourage all those aged 16 and over on Rarotonga who have not yet received their first dose of the vaccine to come along to the Nikao Social
Centre from 3pm Friday and between 7am and 6pm on Saturday.
“Our goal of course is to have 100 per cent of our eligible population vaccinated, so I urge all those who haven’t yet received their first dose to come to the Social Centre. It is so important to get as many people vaccinated as we can.”
With the rollout of the first vaccine dose now almost completed on Rarotonga, vaccination is scheduled to begin on Aitutaki no later than June 1 and across the rest of the Pa Enua from June 28.
Rarotonga residents will also be able to start receiving their second dose of the vaccine from June 8. ENDS: Enquiries to Jaewynn McKay +682 55486; For up-to-date information visit www.health.gov.ck or www.covid19.gov.ck