September 15 - Over 70 percent coverage of the COVID-19 first and second doses vaccination program should be achieved throughout Tonga by December this year.
This includes rolling out of the first and second doses vaccination program in the Niuas by the end of September.
The Hon. Minister of Health Hon. ‘Amelia Tu’ipulotu revealed this in Parliament yesterday.
She said this is an outcome the Ministry of Health hopes to achieve before a decision can be made on a possible third COVID-19 booster dose vaccination for Tonga in the future.
Hon. Tu’ipulotu said while some developed countries have rolled out the COVID-19 third booster dose, directives has yet to be issued on the matter for the Pacific, Tonga included.
She also mentioned that Health authorities are working in closer partnership with donor agencies overseas to supply the booster vaccination dose if the need arises.
The Health Minister made the remarks in response to Tongatapu 4 MP, Mateni Tapueluelu’s questions whether health authorities are considering the option for safety against coronavirus.