With 96% of Palau’s total adult population fully vaccinated against COVID-19 virus, concerns over those 17 years and below who are not vaccinated are expected to be relieved soon. Approved vaccines for young people age 12 to 17 are expected sometime this summer according to Public Health Director Sher Madraisau.
Pfizer had just approved the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of Pfizer use for children age 12 to 15. Director Madraisau said that approval for use Moderna is expected soon. “Summer time we expect some allocations of vaccine for young people.”
Palau remain as one of the countries of the world with highest level of vaccination against COVID-19. As of May 26, 96% of the total adult population has been fully vaccinated or 71% of the entire population. Based on the numbers, Palau is near exceeding its target goal of 80% vaccination rate.
“We should understand what we have done to get ready to this day,” expressed President Surangel Whipps Jr. of the efforts to prepare Palau for the future.
Whipps emphasized that what been done, has been focused on getting Palau to open safely, of “moving Palau from COVID free to Covid safe.”
Aggressive vaccination rollout, stringent rules and protocols are aimed at re-opening Palau, “with care”, as a safely as possible.