By: Nanai Taofiga Laveitiga Tuiletufuga
On the heels of including 12 to 18 year olds in the National COVID-Mass Vaccination Drive, Government will soon expand the COVID-19 Mass Vaccination to children from 5 to 12 years old, Director General of Health Leausa Samau Dr. Take Naseri announced during a joint press conference with NEOC Chairman Agafili Tomaimanō Shem Leo Tuesday.
“This is part and parcel of the Government’s Commitment to the country that no one will be left behind,” says NEOC Chairman who is also Secretary to Cabinet Secretary.
With the rapid COVID mutation overseas, Government through NEOC is reinstating their vows that no-one will be left behind.
Statistically the 2 Mass Vaccination Drives by Government are impressive on paper showing coverage of 96% (117,021 residents) of the eligible population (121,891 residents) receiving their first AstraZeneca dose complemented by 86% (104,885 residents) receiving the 2 doses to complete their vaccinations. However the reality according to Agafili and Leausa which NEOC is confronted with at point blank is the fact that there are 10,000 plus residents who have neither received the vaccines at all based on their respective choices or have not completed the compulsory 2 doses.
“That’s’ 10,000 chances for the virus to infiltrate our communities, our families and the entire country. That’s why we’re not staying idle,” says Leausa. Paramount to the two officials is the safety of the young children.
To date the Pfizer vaccine roll out to children in the 12 to 18 years old is also showing promising signs.
Health officials estimated that 27,880 children in this age bracket are eligible to receive the vaccines. And from the initial mass vaccination 42,405 children voluntarily taking their injections. From that number 17,982 teenagers have completed their two doses complemented by 24,734 others who have had their initial dose.
Children from 12 to 18 years old, pregnant and lactating mothers are vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine.
Asked if Government is contemplating a third Mass Vaccination Drive, Leausa says that the fate of those who have neither completed their 2 doses or continue to refuse to be receive COVID protection offered by Government are “in their own hands.”
Consequently as part of the “Leave no one Behind” Strategy, Government will also be rolling out in a matter of weeks Booster vaccines designated explicitly for the 104,000 plus who have completed their intimal two doses.
Details to start the roll out for the young generation will be announced.
