Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare has completed his 2nd dose of COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine yesterday morning at the Central Field Hospital, Honiara, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
The Prime Minister and Health Minister Hon Dr Culwick Togamana were scheduled to receive their second (2nd) dose on Wednesday May 2nd, however due to engagements with the Isabel Province 2nd Appointed Day Celebrations, both received theirs yesterday, a statement issued by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services said.
In completing his vaccination, Prime Minster Sogavare, expressed thanks to health officials and the vaccinators for a job well done.
“Thank you indeed to all of you for your professionalism, dedication and commitment with the COVID-19 vaccine roll out program. Job well done indeed and I wish you well as you continue down the path to reach our ultimate goal of vaccinating all eligible Solomon Islanders across our happy isles”, said Mr Sogavare.
Meanwhile, a statement from the government said, only 17 thousand plus doses were administered out of from the 74 thousand doses that the government is currently rolling out and we are securing additional vaccine supplies from our partners. But what’s the use of getting all these when people are not coming forward?
The government statement added, it is very costly for the country to continue operating the quarantine centres and enforcing all the stringent measures in place to safe guard the country against the COVID-19.
These are necessary and have contributed significantly to our success in preventing community transmission in country but they also come at the expense of other social and economic sectors of the country.
The Statement adds, “Our country cannot be operating like this for long, we need to relax the restrictions in a graded manner and we can only do this if we get all our eligible population vaccinated, until then we will still enforce all the stringent measures in place.
The Government urge all persons 18 years and above in Honiara and parts of Guadalcanal with easy access the Central Field Hospital to come forward this week to get their first dose of Sinopharm vaccine and those who already have their 1st dose of AstraZeneca vaccine to come for their 2nd dose on the date indicated on their vaccination cards. It further urged that those who are essential workers and who are more likely to come in contact with COVID patients such as people operating buses and taxis and those working in markets to come forward and get your vaccination done.
Both the vaccines that we are currently rolling out, Sinopharm and Astrazeneca brands are proven efficacious and meet the safety standards. Both the vaccines have been cleared by the WHO and other regulating authorities including our own National Medicine and Therapeutic Committee. So, it is recommended that people do not differentiate between the vaccines and do not judge the vaccines.
