First batch of COVID-19 vaccines arrive in Palau

The first batch of COVID-19 vaccines has arrived in Palau.

The Health minister Emais Roberts told Radio NZ 2,800 doses of the Moderna vaccine arrived on a special flight from the United States.

He said health workers first in line to receive the jabs.

Following that, the ministry said it would look to vaccinate key officials and decision-makers, then the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions.

Radio NZ reports Palau's health ministry said it hoped to have nearly all of Palau's population vaccinated by April.

The Palau government has asked for 30,000 doses, which it said it expected to receive in the next three months.

The flight continued to the Federated States of Micronesia, to deliver vaccines there.

The Marshall Islands also started COVID-19 vaccinations before the New Year.

[Source: RNZ]