The Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) has continued its awareness programmes on the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 5-11.

This was highlighted during a M.O.H. programme “Health of the Nation” which was also live-streamed on the Ministry's official Facebook page on Tuesday.

The Paediatric Pfizer Vaccine has been approved for children aged 5-11 while the rollout date is yet to be confirmed by the Ministry. 

The M.O.H. Assistant Chief Executive Officer (A.C.E.O.) for Nursing and Midwifery, Momoti Ulisese Tapuvae appealed to parents, families and everyone to work together so that children are safely vaccinated.  

He said as of 22 February, the administration of the Pfizer vaccine for children aged 12-17 years sits at 92.2 per cent for those who've taken the first dose and 77 per cent for those who are fully vaccinated. 

"While a total of 97.5 per cent of the eligible population have received their first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine with 89.5 per cent are fully vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine." 

Another M.O.H. representative, Acquin Time Fiu said the Ministry is working in partnership with the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C.) for the vaccination rollout.

She said they will be handing out information sheets and brochures on the vaccines.

“There is also a consent form that needs to be signed by parents,” she added. 

Ms. Fiu said children aged 5-11 years old including people with disability and those receiving treatment for illness are eligible for vaccination.

“This vaccination roll out is similar to the one we did last year.”

She added that their aim is to complete the vaccination of children in Upolu within two weeks before taking the campaign to Savai'i.

The Paediatric Pfizer vaccine has been administered in America and Australia, according to Mr. Tapuvae.

“Parents are advised to provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate or passport.”

He added that the significance of the birth certificates or passports is to confirm the age of the child if they are of the eligible age to be vaccinated. 

Furthermore, children who are not attending school can be vaccinated in schools where the vaccines are being administered.

Ms Fiu said parents or guardians are urged to be present during the day of the vaccination day.

“Parents are advised that children should have a good meal before being vaccinated," she said. “After getting vaccinated, children are advised to stay for 20 minutes for observation in the event of any reactions that might arise.”

Mr. Tapuvae said during or after two weeks of getting vaccinated that a child may get a rash and if that occurred then “please take your child to see a doctor.”

There are two doses that will be administered within four weeks from the first to second dose. Children who are sick at vaccination location will be not be vaccinated.

And children recording temperatures more than 38 degrees Celsius will not be vaccinated. However, vaccination can be done when the child recovers from illness.