The total number of Samoans who have received the AstraZeneca vaccine has reached 42,373 according to Ministry of Health data.

The composition of the total vaccination count for the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine has males on 23,416 and females on 18,957 shows M.O.H. data released on Thursday.

The Ministry also revealed that the number of people who have received their second dose now stands at 505. 

(The vaccine requires a second variant approximately 8 weeks after their first jab in order for it to take full effect).

(Recent data from the National Health Service in England shows the importance of a second shot; patients who have been immunised only once have been shown to only have 33 per cent immunity against the 'Delta' variant of the virus which recently ravaged India). 

Out of the 505 people who have received their second shot, 396 were male while 109 were female. Among those who are fully vaccinated include the Police and Prisons Commissioner, Fuiavailiili Egon Keil. 

From June 14-18 starting from 9am to 6pm, the mass vaccination programme will be in the Districts of Aana Alofi No. 3 & Aana Alofi No. 4 at the villages of Nofoalii, Leulumoega Tuai, Fasitoo Tai, Vailu’utai, Faleatiu and Satapuala.  

Samoa started its vaccination rollout in April after receiving 24,000 doses through the World Health Organisation-organised COVAX Facility.

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). 

Despite Samoa being COVID-19-free, the Ministry of Health advice remains to be on alert and upholding precautionary measures. Samoa also remains at a COVID-19 alert status of Level 1 (Yellow). The State of Emergency orders continue to encourage social and physical distancing as well as basic hygiene and wearing facial masks in public places. 

In a statement issued this week, the Government through the Disaster Advisory Committee (D.A.C.) has reminded the public that gatherings at the airport is strictly prohibited under the COVID-19 State of Emergency (SOE) orders. 

In a recent press conference, the D.A.C. Chairman, Agafili Shem Leo raised concerns over members of the public gathering at the Faleolo International Airport on flight days to farewell families and friends.  

The Chairman confirmed that the Ministry of Police will continue to regulate access at the International Airport as well as at the wharf at Matautu. 

Agafili continued on by saying that the above processes have been put in place to maximize protection of the public from potential exposure. He urged the public’s understanding and continuous support in keeping Samoa safe during these trying times.  

Nearly four million people have died from the global pandemic, while there are more than 175 million cases worldwide, according to the latest data from America's Johns Hopkins University.