A total of 1,449 received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Thursday bringing the total count to 16,478 so far, the Ministry of Health has reported. 

As of May 13, 2021, Samoa's most recent total vaccination count is made up of 9,324 males and 7,154 females. 

It the second day in a row the numbers of vaccinations completed have surpassed a thousand. 

Currently, vaccinations are being administered from 19 sites at Faleata No.1 and Faleata No. 2, namely, Falelauniu tai, Falelauniu uta, Lotopa, Sinamoga, Alafua, Moamoa tai, Moamoa fou, Tuaefu, Vaimoso, Lepea, Vailoa tai, Talimatau, Vaigaga and Siusega.

Also, fixed sites remain at the Health Centre in Matagialalua, Samoa Tourism Authority Fale at Eleele Fou and two at Motootua.

Samoa received its second batch of the COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, a total of 28,000 doses through the COVAX facility. 

Another 27,000 is expected to arrive in the next four weeks or early June, Deputy Director-General, Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thompsen said on Thursday.

The total assistance of 79,000 vaccines through the COVAX facility is expected to cover 20 per cent of the eligible population.

The administration of the second doses will start on 14 June, he added. 

Tagaloa advised that more fixed sites were set up on Wednesday: one at the Red Cross Headquarters in Tuanaimato; the Samoa National Provident Fund in Vaitele; and the Ah Liki Warehouse behind Samoa Commercial Bank at Vaitele.

Despite the international borders being closed, Samoa continues to bring citizens and essential workers into the country. Another group of recently repatriated people were released from quarantine on Friday with none of them testing positive for the virus, Tagaloa said.

Interim N.E.O.C. Chairman, Agafili Shem Leo said none of the thousands who received their first dose of the vaccine reported experiencing major complications or getting admitted to the hospital following their inoculation. 

Agafili thanked the leaders of the Government, village councils, women committees and Church ministers for their role in encouraging the people to get vaccinated.  

Two weeks ago, the Ministry of Health elevated restrictions to prevent COVID-19 infection at the international borders and will reject any traveller who has not been fully vaccinated from entering the country. 

Children under 18 years are exempt from the latest requirement for incoming travellers. 

In a special travel advisory issued on 3 May, signed by the Director General of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri the local authorities confirmed the strict measures that are to take effect in July. 

“Travelers including crew are now required to be fully vaccinated before entry into Samoa with any vaccine pre-qualified by the World Health Organisation (AstraZeneca, Pfizer, & Janssen),” says the Ministry of Health. 

“A legitimate vaccine certificate is required for boarding. Fully vaccinated implies completion of the required prescribed doses as per the vaccine used. 

“All should have completed 2 weeks post-vaccination prior to travel.” 

Incoming travellers are asked to present a hard copy of the vaccination certificate on arrival in Samoa. 

To ensure the country remains Covid-free, Health issued a stern warning to passengers who haven’t been vaccinated or fail to complete required doses of vaccination “will be denied boarding”.