I was very pleased to read an article in today’s Solomon Times Online that on day 4 of the AstraZeneca vaccine rollout the number of people that came forward to be vaccinated doubled compared to the first 3 days of last week.
The combined total number of people vaccinated stands at 1065 people, health workers accounted for the largest number of vaccinated persons with 34 percent (399) of the total followed by members of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) frontline personnel 18 percent, airport staff 6 percent, customs 2.3 percent, immigration staff 2.1, and hotel staff 1.4 percent.
On day four of the vaccination rollout over 700 males and 300 plus females received their first dose of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine.
The Ministry of Health has reiterated that the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and effective against COVID-19 as it has been listed for emergency use by WHO.
I very much hope the numbers of people coming forward to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine will keep increasing daily as taking the vaccine offers the best protection against the deadly virus for themselves and restricts the spread of the virus to others, whether loved ones, family members or neighbours.
The increasing turnout of people taking the vaccine is in complete contrast in what is happening in Bougainville where a report carried by Radio New Zealand this morning said, and I quote.
As the coronavirus has swept through Papua New Guinea in recent weeks, Bougainville has been badly hit, with more 100 cases so far.
Strict rules were in place but they were not being enforced.
Helen Hakena from the Nehan Leitana Women's Development Agency in Buka said most people were not following the rules.
"People here don't seem to care. A minority group care - they have masks, they use hand santisers and they are doing socially distancing, but the majority of people here on Bougainville, they are going about on cares, overloaded, churches are full on Sundays, the market is full with people, people sitting close to each other.
"People just don't care. There is a careless attitude here in Bougainville."
End of quote.
I am confident that Solomon Islander do care and this can be best demonstrated by all who still need to have the vaccination.
Today, Wednesday, the MHMS revised its order of priority as day 5 of the Phase 1 vaccination program rolls out.
I will quote the revised instructions.
Quote
The MHMS advises that the new order of vaccination will be as follows.
- Front-liners are top priority
- People over the age of 55 years with underlying health conditions
- Public figures (limited number) and
- COVID-19 ex-positives
The MHMS also advise that with the frontline groups all relevant ministries must identify names and send them through to the Medical Officer in Charge of the vaccination site at the Central Field Hospital, Dr Sarah Habu on email SHabu@moh.gov.sb.
For those people above 55 years with underlying health conditions such as heart diseases, diabetes and high blood pressure they will need to carry their medical card or a certificate from a doctor confirming their medical condition when they go in for vaccination.
Further, the MHMS explains that the AstraZeneca vaccine doses are stored in vials. There are 10 doses in each vial and all must be used within six hours from the time the vial is opened. The MHMS states that should there be doses of the vaccine remaining at the end of each day priority will be given to the following.
- those below 55 years with an underlying health condition
- those above 65 years and
- those essential workers or COVID-19 operations support staff (non-front-liners).
Those that fall within this category are encouraged to share their contact details with health staff at the registration desk outside of the central field hospital or to call 22434 and leave their details.
As informed earlier, out of the 24,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine received, 7000 are being proposed for Honiara and the remaining 17,000 will be sent to the Western Border.
Source: MHMS Press Release
End of quote.
I congratulate all that have taken the AstraZeneca vaccine and taken the first steps in ensuring Covid-19 does not gain a foothold in the country, but please all those who are yet to get the vaccine come forward when it is available in your area.
Let it not be said Solomon Islanders lack the faith in the assurances given by the WHO and the MHMS and the government of the safety of the vaccine.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
