Over one thousand people in Samoa have received their second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine as health authorities ramp up nationwide vaccination efforts.

As of 18 June data released by the Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) on Saturday showed that a total of 1,195 people have been vaccinated with the second dose of the vaccine.

And just like for the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, more males have stepped forward for the second dose with 823 getting inoculated compared 372 females. 

The number of the eligible population who have already received the first dose of the vaccine has already reached 43,983 and comprise 24,356 males and 19,627 females. 

The M.O.H. has urged members of the public to bring their vaccination cards when they go for their second dose of the vaccine.

The second dose of the vaccination for frontliners in in Savai'i will be done at the Malietoa Tanumafili Hospital in Tuasivi.

While Upolu has five fixed sites which opened on Saturday and next week onwards until further notice: EPI Main Office- (Blue building opposite Seb and Rene - Motootua); Samoa Tourism Authority Falesamoa; MOH Credentialing Building (opposite NKFS); Matagialalua Clinic; Leulumoega District Hospital.

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

The mass vaccination programme was 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.

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 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.

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