Children receive first Pfizer vaccines

By Adel Fruean 23 October 2021, 9:29PM

Samoa has already begun vaccinating children between the ages of 12-17 with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine after previously using AstraZeneca brand doses for its adult mass vaccination campaign.

The Ministry of Health announced in a Facebook post on Friday that the first under 18-year-olds had now received their vaccination of the Pfizer Cominarty vaccine.

“Protect yourself, protect the children, do it for Samoa,” read the post. 

The Health Ministry also issued a public notice on Friday which outlined their plans to vaccinate children between the ages of 12-17 from Monday to Wednesday in the coming week. 

Samoa received the Pfizer vaccine last Thursday donated by New Zealand to support Samoa’s vaccination rollout.  

According to the M.O.H. the notice serves to inform members of the public that the Ministry will be rolling out its Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination for children.

The Ministry said that Samoa is fortunate that it has remained COVID free, “however it is not known how long this can continue.”

The vaccination roll out to schools will begin on the 25th October 2021, where the Ministry of Health will visit schools throughout Samoa to provide vaccinations for COVID-19.

Each school has been informed of the scheduled vaccination date and every parent and guardians will be informed beforehand.

The Health Ministry also urged every parent or guardian that they should read the information provided before signing the Vaccination Consent form. 

The vaccination of Samoa's population against COVID-19 will provide protection against the virus that is now endemic throughout the world.

The Pfizer vaccine which is called “Cominarty” has been approved for use for children aged 12 and upwards. Cominarty has been administered to millions of people around the world and has been proven safe and effective. 

 In addition, the Pfizer vaccine is a two dose vaccine with a four week interval.

The Ministry has relayed that the second dose will be given at the end of November/early December.

All children from 12 years upwards are eligible for the vaccination unless they are acutely ill or have a temperature of 38C or higher.

Also, the children on medications including antibiotics and Rheumatic fever treatment can still have the vaccine.

“Please inform the nurse vaccinator if your child has previously had a severe allergic reaction or currently has any allergies. Also, inform if your child has a significant medical condition or if you have any concerns.”

The Ministry has further advised that on the vaccination day: ensure that your child has had breakfast and is well hydrated; provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate or passport; wear loose clothing for easy access to the upper arm.

Also, “your child will need to wait for 20 minutes at the vaccination area after being vaccinated.”

For Monday 25 October 2021 the following schools will begin vaccinations: Luatuanuu Primary School; Laulii Primary School; Letogo Primary School; Vailele Primary School; Samoa Primary School; Fagali’i Primary School; Falefitu Primary School; Moataa Primary School; Samoa College; Vaivase Primary School; Magiagi Primary School; Vaimauga College; Maluafou College; Tanugamanono Primary School; and Vaiala Beach School.

Schools scheduled for Tuesday 26 October 2021 include: Avele College; Vailima Primary School; Divine Mercy; Manumalo Baptist Primary School; Peace Chapel Primary School; Vaimoso Primary School; Vailoa Primary School; Vaiusu Primary School; Vaigaga Primary School; Chanel College; St. Peter Chanel Primary School; Papauta Girls College; Leififi College; Lepea Primary School; St. Theresa Primary School; and Ah Mu Academy. 

And those scheduled for Wednesday 27 October 2021 are: Apia Primary School; Anglican Primary School; Samoa Adventist College; Vaimea Primary School; St. Mary’s Primary School; Marist Brothers; Pesega Middle School; Pesega College; Faleata College; St. Mary’s College; Robert Louis Stevenson Primary School; and Fa’atuatua College.  

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Health
By Adel Fruean 23 October 2021, 9:29PM
Samoa Observer

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