Close to 100 per cent of the eligible population in the Lotofaga district has received the first dose of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine as of Friday according to the latest data from the Ministry of Health.

Numbers released by the M.O.H. on Saturday show that 94.5 per cent of Lotofaga’s eligible population has received the first shot.

More than 80 per cent of the eligible population in Vaisigano No. 2, Faasaleleaga No. 3, Lepa, Alataua Sisifo, Gagaifomauga No. 1 and Aleipata-Itu-i-Luga have received the first dose.

A total of 96,865 individuals nationwide composing of 50,579 males and 46,286 females have received the first vaccination with the M.O.H. saying that represents 79.5 per cent of the eligible population.

More than a third of the eligible population or 37.2 per cent have been fully vaccinated with the first and second dose. Of the fully vaccinated a total of 24,632 are male and 20,719 female.

Data from the Ministry shows that the Safata No. 1 district has the lowest vaccination rate with just 57 per cent of the eligible population in the district receiving the first dose.

M.O.H. Director-General Leausa Dr. Take Naseri says over recent weeks they have seen a considerable decrease in the number of people coming in to get vaccinated. 

“People do not think the virus will reach Samoa and that some do not believe that it can happen here,” he said in a video published by M.O.H.

He pointed to the large difference in the number of people who have received the first dose and the second dose, noting that the first dose will not work without the second dose.

“You need the second dose in order to fight off the virus,” said Leausa. “Only a small percentage of the population has received the second dose.”

In order for the mass vaccinations to have a positive impact and protect the highest number of people, the country needs as many people eligible to receive both vaccines, he said.

Leausa is worried that the vaccines will expire before the eligible population can receive their shots.

The last date to receive the first dose is 24 September and he reminded Samoa that there is an eight week period between the first and second dose and the date of expiry on the vaccines is 30 November.

“We are really worried because if the virus gets here, there are people who cannot get vaccinated,” Leausa said. 

In order to protect those under 18 years of age, pregnant and nursing mothers and others who cannot get vaccinated like those who are allergic to the vaccine, the country needs as many people as possible to get full vaccinated.

M.O.H. is expecting another batch of vaccines for children ages 12 to 17.

According to Leausa even after the 12-17 years of age group is vaccinated, those under the age of 11 will still be unprotected from the virus.

“We want to protect those people so we want the most people who can get vaccinated to receive the vaccines,” he said.