COVAX Facility

The first batch of vaccines will only “bolster our capabilities to enhance our efforts to protect our people,” Loughman said.

He made the comments as 24,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines arrived in the country last night.

According to Loughman, Vanuatu has successfully maintained months of COVID-19 free status and consistent infection, prevention and control standards.

“Vanuatu has done a lot to prevent any COVID-19 community transmission.”

The vaccines were made available through the global COVAX facility.

The vaccines arrived in Port Vila from Brisbane last night.

Prime Minister Bob Loughman Weibur and other guests were present to receive the vaccines.

Frontline workers will be the first group to receive their doze of the COVID-19 vaccine when the vaccination programme rolls out which is targeted to commence next month.

Director Public Health Len Tarivonda said frontline workers are border workers, quarantine facility staff, public transport workers, people aged 55 and above.

Another priority group is people aged 35 and above with medical conditions.