A total of 814 people in Samoa have been fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus after receiving their second AstraZeneca jab, Ministry of Health figures released on Friday show.

According to the Health Ministry, out of 814 people who have been vaccinated with the second dose of COVID-19 vaccines, a total of 578 are male while 236 are female. 

The number of the eligible population who have received the first dose of the vaccine has reached 43,106 people. Of this total, 23,416 are male while 18,957 are female. 

With both numbers of people getting their first and second dose of the vaccine in Samoa, figures show that more males are getting vaccinated than females. 

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; those receiving active cancer treatment; 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 difficulties.

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

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 from June 14-18 at around 9am to 6pm.

Samoa is still COVID-19-free, however the Ministry of Health remains on alert and upholding precautionary measures for the safety and wellbeing of its people. 

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.

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 orders orders.

The COVAX facility is a worldwide initiative designed to ensure that lesser developed countries can gain access to the vaccine.

Australia and UNICEF recently announced a partnership to finance the purchase of 6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for the Pacific and Timor-Leste. 

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.