The mass vaccination campaign ordered under the declaration of the national state of emergency is underway.

Vaccinations for measles are now available at the Samoa Family Health Association, the Samoa Red Cross in Tuanaimato and in Community Health Centres in Faleolo, Lufilufi, Saanapu and Satupaitea. 

These add to the services already available at the nation’s seven hospitals. 

Children from six to 19 years, and women (not pregnant) from 20 to 35 years are the first priority groups to get vaccinated. 

Under the State of Emergency Orders issued on Saturday evening, it is now compulsory to be vaccinated, if older than six months and not pregnant.

Other official orders, valid until at least mid-December, include that all under 17-year-olds must avoid public gatherings.

A Health Emergency Operation Centre spokesperson confirmed a public gathering is anywhere large groups are. 

That can include, but is not limited to, weddings and funerals, markets and shopping centres, and even public transport.

The spokesperson said for people older than 17, movement is not restricted, but they are urging people to attend to their business and return home quickly, if they need to visit a crowded public place.

In the hospitals, sick patients are now limited to just one family member to care for them, who must be over 18 years old.

Exams have been postponed until further notice, and the Ministry of Police have been enlisted to help “keep the peace” at hospitals and clinics to manage people as required.

To help the National Emergency Operation Centre team based in the Disaster Management Office off Beach Road, the road between ANZ Bank Main Branch opposite Post Office to the Samoa Housing Corporation is closed until the State of Emergency is lifted next month.

Australia and New Zealand have contributed a total of 64 medical staff to help Samoa’s health services contend with the massive demand for care.

All vaccination clinics:

UPOLU

Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTMH), Emergency Department, Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm and Saturdays 8am to1pm.

Samoa Family Health Association, Opposite the Hospital - Motootua: Monday to Friday from 8am – 8pm and Saturdays 8am – 1pm.

Wellness and Youth Friendly Service (Old Diabetic Clinic) at Eleele Fou, from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Rural District Hospitals:  Leulumoega, Poutasi, Lalomanu, from Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm  

Community Health Centres: Faleolo, Lufilufi, Saanapu, from Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 8pm  

Mobile Service Unit at the Samoa Red Cross Compound, Tuanaimato from Monday to Friday from 8am - 5pm.

SAVAII

Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital (MTIIH), Emergency Department, Monday to Friday from 8am – 8pm and Saturdays 8am – 1pm.

Rural District Hospitals: Sataua, Safotu, Foailalo, Monday to Friday from 8am – 8pm

Community Health Centre (Satupaitea), Monday to Friday from 8am – 8pm.

The following was issued by the Government last night with regards to the vaccination campaign:

MINISTRY OF HEALTH MASS VACCINATION CAMPAIGN

 (NATIONAL EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTRE); With the Proclamation of Emergency Article 105 Constitution of the Independence State of Samoa, the Ministry of Health has maximised its coordinated efforts to control the spread and adverse effects of the Measles Epidemic through a compulsory Mass Vaccination Campaign prioritizing certain vulnerable age groups in Upolu and Savaii.  

 The Ministry of Health urges people in the following prioritized age groups who are at high risk, to be vaccinated:

• All children: 6 months - 19 years
• Non-pregnant Females only: 20 to 35 years

 The Measles Vaccination Program will be available at these health facilities at the designated dates and time slots:

UPOLU

• The Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTMH), Immunization Clinic located at the TTMH Emergency Department, Monday to Friday from 8am – 8pm and Saturdays 8am – 1pm.
• Samoa Family Health Association, Opposite the Hospital - Motootua: Monday to Friday from 8am – 8pm and Saturdays 8am – 1pm.
• Wellness and Youth Friendly Service (Old Diabetic Clinic) at Matagialalua, Eleele Fou, from Monday to Friday at 9:00am to 5:00pm.
• Rural District Hospitals:  (Leulumoega, Poutasi, Lalomanu) and Community Health Centres (Faleolo, Lufilufi, Saanapu) from Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 8pm  
• Mobile Service Unit at the Samoa Red Cross Compound, Tuanaimato from Monday to Friday from 8am - 5pm.

SAVAII

• The Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital (MTIIH) at Tuasivi. The Immunisation Clinic is located at the MTIIH emergency department, Monday to Friday from 8am – 8pm and Saturdays 8am – 1pm.
• Rural District Hospitals (Sataua, Safotu, Foailalo) and Community Health Centre (Satupaitea), Monday to Friday from 8am – 8pm

Please direct all enquiries to the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) on telephone number 997.