Pacific / French Polynesia

Covid vaccination rollout continues on French Polynesia's Tuamotus

21:30 pm on 26 September 2021

Covid vaccination campaign continues on French Polynesia's Tuamotu Archipelago.

The mission to vaccinate the Tuamotu archipelago's population, led by Dr François Laudon, recommenced on Nukutavake atoll last Thursday.

This campaign follows the Department of Health's Ora Ora mission, of May and June 2021. Transportation support from the military has been necessary to carry the vaccine to the remote settlements.

Health team arrive on Nukutavake atoll as Covid vaccination campaign continues on French Polynesia's Tuamotu Archipelago Photo: French Polynesian government

A tent was set up on Nukutavake in preparation for the vaccination rollout Photo: French Polynesian government

Locals waiting to me vaccinated on Nukutavake atoll in French Polynesia Photo: French Polynesian government

Covid vaccination campaign continues on French Polynesia's Tuamotu Archipelago Photo: French Polynesian government

As of June 4, 58 inhabitants of this archipelago have been vaccinated.

A tent, to house volunteers, was set up on Nukutavake in preparation for Thursday's vaccination rollout. The first dose of the Janssen vaccine was administered to 26 inhabitants. This single-dose vaccine was officially approved for use in the United Kingdom in May.

A separate group of 12, comprised of people of over 60 and those afflicted with chronic illnesses, received their 2nd dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

The Department of Health estimates that since the vaccination campaigns began 75% of the people aged 18 and over have been vaccinated.

The medical team will be in Tureia and Pukarua over the weekend to continue administering the vaccines.