Vanuatu’s supply of COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine has been ordered from South Korea and the Government’s responsible authorities are liaising with the manufacturer to make sure the supply arrives within three or fourth weeks. South Korea hosts one of the production base of the AstraZeneca vaccine. For several months, Vanuatu Government have been working and supporting COVAX in readiness efforts, especially in preparation for this moment. This has been confirmed by the Director General of Health and Spokesperson on all COVID-19 matters, Russel Tamata.

This came after Vanuatu’s COVID-19 vaccine agreement has been signed this week at the Prime Minister’s Office signed by Minister of Finance, Johnny Koanapo on behalf of the Republic of Vanuatu, authorizing the import of the AstraZeneca vaccine. The Minister of Health, Silas Bule, says this marks the end of the indemnity work. The indemnity document is to allow the import of the vaccine to Vanuatu which was recently approved by the Parliament of Vanuatu at the recent Extra-Ordinary Sitting.

The agreement is being sent to the manufacturer of the vaccine to allow the country to receive the vaccine. The Director General of Health, Russel Tamata says that there will be 10,000 doses to be first received. These doses will go towards the prioritized demographics especially targeting front-line healthcare workers, front-line officers in law enforcement, border protection and quarantine staffs.

The Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency-VFIPA continues to support the government commitment in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The arrival of COVID-19 vaccine will be first step in 'return to normal' for everyone and for businesses to move forward to a new way of working.