Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa began their Covid-vaccine programs in mid-December.  However, the Marshall Islands became the first independent nation in the Pacific to begin distributing COVID-19 vaccinations with just a few days before the end of the year.  On 29 December 2020, the RMI received 1200 doses of the Moderna vaccine as part of the vaccine distribution from the United States.  The U.S. government also delivered a similar number of vaccines to the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau who are launching their Covid-vaccine drives this month.  All of the Pacific nations in free association with the United States as well as U.S.-affiliated islands are receiving the Moderna brand vaccine which can be refrigerated at temperatures similar to other vaccines.  Funds for freezers needed to store the vaccine were donated by the Taiwanese government.  The Ministry of Health is hopeful that the allocation of the Pfizer vaccine can be redirected to Marshallese communities in the United States, but Consulate General Eldon Alik has not received any word from the government.

Wasting no time, a group of traditional leaders, high-ranking government officials and Ministry of Health doctors and nurses received the first dose of the vaccine as part of a public health promotion: Roll Up Your Sleeve.  The Marshallese government has put full faith in the safety and effectiveness of the new COVID-19 vaccinations which received emergency use authorization last December.  At the promotional event, Traditional Leader and Council of Iroij Chair, Iroijlaplap Kotak Loeak, as well as Reverend Palukne Johnny, Speaker of the Nitijela Kenneth Kedi and Chief Justic Carl Ingram set the example by getting vaccinated first at the event which took place just hours after picking up the vaccines from the airport.  16 health care workers then received the vaccine shot including Minister of Health Bruce Bilimon and Secretary of Health Jack Niedenthal.  Everyone reported feeling fine and will be scheduled to receive the second dose of the vaccine after 28 days (as early as January 25).  The RMI Ministry of Health and Human Services posted a video edited by Dayne Jacklick, Majuro Cooperative Student Volunteer, promoting the vaccine rollout.  The video of the vaccine launch shows the shipment and pick up of vaccines from the airport, various speakers at the vaccine launch ceremony, and video footage of people getting the vaccine and proudly displaying certificates that finished the sentence: I’M GETTING MY COVID-19 VACCINE FOR…  Some people wrote “Jen Kōjbarōk RMI im Armij ilo Aelōn̄ Kein” and “RMI Government.”  The video quoted Hon. Minister Bilimon: “Kajoor Wōt Wōr – working together can overcome any challenge.”  Hopefully, like Sec. Niedenthal said this is “the beginning of the end of this horrible disease.”  The video ends encouraging us: “Health is a shared responsibility.  Ejmour ej adwōj jim̧or eddo.”

Vaccines were allocated based on the population of U.S. states and territories as well as freely associated states through Operation Warp Speed.  The first batch of 1200 doses is enough to vaccinate 600 health care and front line workers, 400 in Majuro and 200 in Ebeye.  The U.S. government has scheduled another shipment of 6,000 doses (two doses per person) to arrive later in January with more to follow.  An adult population of 55,000 will need to be vaccinated.  While the first batch of vaccinations has been designated for health care, point of entry and front line workers, the Ministry of Health has a straight forward plan to vaccinate by age going forward: “We have 600 employees at MOH counting Majuro and Ebeye.  After health care workers and front liners come the elders.  We will go in order of age, 70 and over, then 60 and over, then 50 and over, etc.  We are prioritizing the centers of Majuro and Ebeye, but we have a plan to reach the entire country.”  Regardless of nationality or residence, anyone who fits the age demographic who is in Majuro and Ebeye will be eligible to receive the vaccine.  The vaccine is optional even for health care workers.  Secretary Niedenthal acknowledged that some people are taking a “wait and see” attitude as are some people in the United States.  He cautioned that “the vaccine is not a magic bullet for international travel at this point… so for the time being nothing changes with the borders, they stay closed and we stay cautious.”  There is no vaccine right not that has been authorized for children under 18.  We also do not know if the virus can be transmitted by someone who has been vaccinated.  However, vaccinations are currently the best tool we have available in public health to deal with this pandemic.

When complimented for the well-organized vaccine rollout, Sec. Niedenthal gave credit to his fellow secretaries of health in both the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau for actively working to get the vaccines. The U.S. CDC got them the covid-testing kits early on too. “The US has been very good to the FAS during this pandemic.” As of January 6, 2021, the MOHHS has vaccinated 78% of the 600 people target with the first dose of the Moderna brand covid-vaccine. RMI Ministry of Health and Human Services posted pictures on their Facebook page with pictures of vaccinations of front line workers in the RMI EPA.