Compulsory vaccination for measles is an option to counter a measles outbreak. The current immunisation coverage is insufficient to prevent one, should the virus return here again.

The World Health Organisation has warned New Zealand to up its vaccination rate because more and more people, especially children, are contracting the disease. The chances of it reaching Samoa are high. People travel daily from New Zealand, and the incubation period for the virus allows it to come through the borders undetected.

The previous lockdowns serve as a stark reminder of what could happen if measles does find its way here. Children have died in 2019, families have lost loved ones, it takes a toll on the economy, and people find it harder to make a living.

Oceania University of Medicine Vice Chancellor Professor Asiata Dr Satupaitea Viali believes that to prevent another measles outbreak, vaccination rates need to increase, and the government may need to consider compulsory vaccination to protect everyone. Surely, discussions must have started within the cabinet and among the government think tank, as the impending danger from measles cannot be put off.

In the last few years after the lockdowns, the country has managed to find a footing to slowly bounce back. An increase in tourism is a helping factor, and numbers from the Bureau of Statistics show that arrivals are increasing each month. It would be an economic suicide to close the borders. Thousands of Samoans either directly or indirectly depend on tourism. Closing the borders would impact airlines, airports, hotels and other accommodations, restaurants and all those depending on tourism to earn a living.

This will reduce spending within the economy and, as a result, may force retailers to increase prices. We will be faced with a situation where money is not coming i,n and then having to spend more just to get by. This is not the growth that has been envisioned. The national budget has just been passed, and there is hope that it will bring about a positive environment that will bring normalcy to the already affected government services. A speed bump on this road is not needed.

The bigger cost in the measles outbreak would be the lives of children. To ensure that measles does not spread, the herd immunisation should be at 95 per cent. The call by the Ministry of Health for parents to get their children vaccinated shows the concern that its spread is real. We do not need to return to the time when we flew red flags outside our homes.

Parents have the opportunity to save their children and also stop the spread of measles should it come here. Get your children vaccinated if you have not. The lies about measles and vaccinations have been dispelled by the scientific committee, and if people are still holding on to the fibs spread by the likes of Robert F Kennedy Junior, then we have another thing coming.

A government ordered compulsory vaccination for measles is the last thing that is needed. Yes, parents should have the choice, but it should not come at the cost of a child’s life. Northwest of Upolu, from Saliemoa to Siufaga, Falelatai, Laulii to Leauvaa and Aleipata have been identified as areas where the immunisation rate is low. For the rural dwellers and those far from hospitals, the MOH should immediately start mobile vaccination drives. Take the vaccine to the children if they cannot come to the hospital or health centres. This drive should be on until the target is reached. Let us go back to tracing and identifying who these children are.

As for compulsory vaccination, it is something for the authorities to consider. That could be the path to save lives if people do not do anything about it. Get the jab. It could come down to being the only difference between life and death.