Over 15,000 fully vaccinated

By Adel Fruean 20 July 2021, 10:00AM

More than 15,000 Samoans have been fully vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine according to the latest Ministry of Health data.  

The Health Ministry said that from the 15,650 vaccinated: 8,657 are male and 6,993 are female which accounts to 12.9 per cent of the eligible population vaccinated as of 18 July, 2021. 

However, a total of 55,061 people have received their first dose of the vaccine with 30,721 males and 24,340 females which represent 45.2 per cent of the eligible population vaccinated.

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.

Members of the public who are eligible to be vaccinated are advised to visit nearest vaccination sites such as: Ministry of Health Credentialing Building; EPI Main Office; Matagialalua Health Clinic; Samoa Tourism Authority (Fale Samoa).

For those who are receiving their second dose, the Health Ministry has advised to bring your vaccination cards and any form of identification such passports, birth certificates or driver’s license. 

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

Samoa is still COVID-19-free, however the Ministry of Health says it remains on alert about the possibility of the virus reaching the nation's shores.

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 gathering at the airport is strictly prohibited under the COVID-19 state of emergency orders.

COVAX is a worldwide initiative designed to ensure that lesser developed countries can gain access to the vaccine with the Australian government also recently contributing an additional AU$50 million to the Facility in a bid to boost equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines worldwide including Samoa.

By Adel Fruean 20 July 2021, 10:00AM
Samoa Observer

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