Covid-19 vaccination

Acting Director General, Dr. Posikai Samuel Tapo said discussions are ongoing with donor partners and orders will be placed later.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Liaison Officer in Vanuatu, Dr. Philippe Guyant said, “Currently, Pfizer is the only vaccine approved for adolescents but more vaccines should be made available in few months.”

So far, WHO has approved six COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use — Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Sinopharm and Sinovac.

The current secretary general of the Nagriamel Political Commission, Jeff Batunvanu, said compulsory vaccination goes against people's rights.

He said it is understood the government is considering legislation to do this.

But Mr Batunvanu said some people's decisions are on their Christian faith and such a ruling by the government will take away their individual rights.

He said it's his earnest request that the government makes a thorough analysis before making a decision on any new regulation.

Prime Minister Bob Loughman has confirmed that there is no indication of community transmission as a result of the 18 passengers who arrived in Port Vila from New Caledonia.

Following this the Acting Secretary General of the Public Service Commission, Jane Bani says the requirement has been lifted.

Vanuatu's Public Service Commission said any civil servants who aren't vaccinated or who have only had their first dose, are to stay away from work.

There is no legislation in place to allow such a sanction on workers, but Commission Chair, Simil Johnson, said the Public Service Commission is responsible for ensuring everyone is protected from the covid virus.

The Commission has given two weeks for about 3000 employees of the Public Service Commission to be vaccinated.

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that 46% of the 142, 812 eligible population in high priority areas have received their first doses.

The eligible population is all persons 18 years and over.

The MOH conveyed that 39% of over 160,000 eligible population in all areas have received a COVID-19 dose so far.

Vaccination is initially being administered at the main centres of Efate, Santo, Tanna and Malekula.

The vaccination campaign will then be rolled out in the rural areas.

The issue was discussed during its club meeting this week.

In a statement, PVFA Vice President, Harry Atisson, said, “It is important to adhere to the Ministry of Health’s awareness to safeguard individuals as well as the family overall against the disease.”

“Everyone should stand up and protect our health against COVID-19,” he said.

“I am encouraging all players, football fans, to take good care of themselves against COVID-19 and other diseases.”

Irving, has been staunch against getting vaccinated, despite a New York City order requiring the shot if he is to play or practice with the team at home this season.

"Given the evolving nature of the situation and after thorough deliberation, we have decided Kyrie Irving will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant," Marks said.

The vaccination for Covid-19 is targeting over 22,000 people.

Healthcare workers and other front-line workers, such as, immigration officers and public transport drivers are the priority groups for vaccination against Covid-19.

The other priority groups in the first phase are elderly people aged 55 and above and people with existing medical conditions aged 35 years and over.

The Daily Post reports Len Tarivonda saying that this is now provided for in law after an amendment to the Public Health Act.

He said under this law the Health Minister can make an emergency declaration of an order to make vaccination mandatory.

Mr Tarivonda said vaccination will be made mandatory for specific groups of workers, those who earn a living by working in government or private companies.

He said employers have a duty of care for their workers, and that vaccination is "a common good".

One of the union's leaders, Ephraim Kalsakau, said there is no law that can penalise a worker who has not been vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus.

He said even if it is covered under the employee's contract, it cannot be effective if Vanuatu's law does not cover it.

While Vanuatu is Covid-free, and its vaccine rollout began successfully in recent months, there's debate about whether employers can make vaccination mandatory for their staff.