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A business venture in Mainland China turned into a diplomatic mission for Princess Pilolevu and her team. By Pesi Fonua. Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 14, no. 3, December 1998.
2021-04-16 09:35:59 GMT2021-04-16 17:35:59(Beijing Time) Xinhua English
SUVA, April 16 (Xinhua) More than 500 people, mostly frontline workers and those vulnerable to the virus, on Friday have received the AstraZeneca vaccine in Tonga, a Pacific island nation with a population of more than 100,000.
According to Matangi, Tonga s leading news website on Friday, the vaccination program started on Thursday with Tonga s Princess Pilolevu Tuita receiving the first dose, along with the nation s Prime Minister Pohiva Tu i onetoa, and cabinet ministers. The vaccinated people included health, police, defence and officials at Tonga s ports and airports.
The prime minister said on Friday that there had been no cases of major adverse effects nor any hospitalizations from those that have been vaccinated so far.
By Eleanor Gee and Linny Folau of Matangi Tonga
Tonga s Princess Pilolevu Tuita was the first person to receive her first dose of the Covid-19 AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, followed by frontline workers on Tongatapu.
HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita receives her first dose of the Covid-19 AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine
Photo: Matangi Tonga
The Princess volunteered to take part along with her husband Lord Tuita and Prime Minister Dr Pohiva Tu i onetoa.
Acting CEO for Health Dr Reynold Ofanoa also received his first shot. This is a historical day for Tonga, a day we had prayed for, a day of hope, as we launch the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, Ofanoa said.