The Minister of Health – Hon. Vainetutai Rose Toki Brown Brown – says she’s very pleased that Cook Islanders are playing our part in supporting the global battle against COVID-19.
“Overwhelmingly our people are turning up to accept their first shot of the Pfizer vaccine, designed to protect people from getting the coronavirus and/or being seriously affected by it.
“In the little over a week that we have had supplies of the vaccine from New Zealand, about 5,200 people have been vaccinated (as at 6pm today). Globally 1.68 billion doses have been administered across 176 countries – an average of close to 29 million doses per day. Certainly the biggest vaccination campaign in my lifetime.”
Working village by village, everyone over the age of 16, is being offered the vaccine.
“If you are not yet certain whether or not to be vaccinated and need more fact based information on which to base your decision, I encourage you to attend one of the three Public Vaccination Information Evenings being held this week: Matavera CIIC Hall tonight 6pm; Titikaveka Sunday School Hally tomorrow night 6pm; or Sinai Hall Wednesday night, again at 6pm.”
“It is a significant milestone that the Cook Islands is able to once again welcome visitors from New Zealand. Our next milestone which is within reach is a population that is largely vaccinated. Our roll-out plan is ahead of schedule and this would not have been possible without the dedicated staff at Te Marae Ora, volunteers from our Puna, CI Red Cross, Puaikura Fire Volunteers and CI Family Welfare Association. To you all I say from the bottom of my heart, meitaki maata.“
“And meitaki maata once again to our New Zealand friends not just for this life saving vaccine, but for the help and protection we have been afforded by the actions taken by New Zealand to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in New Zealand; and therefore providing protection for us too.”
ENDS: Enquiries to Jaewynn McKay +682 55486
For up to date information visit www.health.gov.ck or www.covid19.gov.ck