Vaccination total nears 40,000

By Seia Lavilavi Soloi 08 June 2021, 10:00PM

Close to 40,000 people have been vaccinated since the Ministry of Health began its rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine in April.

Data provided by the M.O.H. on Tuesday morning showed that a total of 37,572 people have been vaccinated as of 7 June 2021 with more males stepping forward to get inoculated compared to females.

Since Monday a total of 20,756 males have been vaccinated compared to 16,816 females. This week roll out will be conducted from the constituency of Aana Alofi No. 1 and Aana Alofi No. 2 from Faleasiu to Fasitoo-uta. 

Six sites have already been identified by the MOH as the villages where the vaccination will be done. 

Additional fixed sites are at the Fugalei Market, the Red Cross Headquarters in Tuanaimato, the health centre at Matagialalua, the Samoa Tourism Authority Fale on Beach Road, the Ah Liki Bluebird Warehouse at Vaitele, the S.N.P.F, building at Vaitele and the National Kidney Foundation at Motootua.

MO.H. Director-General, Leausa Dr Take Naseri said last week that the nation’s vaccination rollout programme is running smoothly and there are no reports of complications from the vaccine thus far.

In addition, Leausa said the Australian government has offered 10,000 doses each month to assist Samoa’s efforts to fully vaccinate its eligible population. 

He also said New Zealand also offered a batch of vaccines which will become available for Samoa following endorsement in July, when the country also expects another 27,000 doses to arrive in early June in time for the second roll out starting 14 June.

Those who will not be vaccinated include women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people who are bedridden, youth less than 18 years of age and those over 85 years old (optional).

The list also prohibits those with a high fever (above or equal to 38 degrees), weak immune systems, including those who have been on steroids for a long time, and those receiving active cancer treatment, and people with bleeding disorders, and a known history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines including skin rash, swelling of the throat and eyes and breathing difficulty.

Leausa also added that the Ministry aims to achieve 98 per cent of its eligible population before it can re-open its border to international flights.

By Seia Lavilavi Soloi 08 June 2021, 10:00PM

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