Silio Tamiano, 20, Faleapuna

“I still haven’t got both my COVID vaccines because the Ministry of Health still hasn’t rolled out the vaccines at Faleapuna. It is easier to get my shots near my own village so by if anything happens, I am close to my home. I will still have to wait until the COVID vaccine shots are rolled out in my village then I’ll take it.”

Lauano Ah Ching, 56, Moamoa

“I already have my first COVID shot and I am waiting for my second one, due to shortage of the second COVID-19 vaccine I have to wait and the appointed time for my second shot is overdue. Somehow I am scared to take my second shot because I have seen how people are getting bruises from their second shot. For now I am still taking my time to make up my mind, I might turn into a dinosaur after my second shot.”

Ipu Afuvailotufaafetai, 56, Saleimoa

“I am done with my first COVID shot but not my second one. My first shot was done here at Fugalei Market where Ministry of Health used to rolled out the vaccination for everyone to be fully vaccinated. I’ll have to wait for my second shot until they come again here. I did not feel anything strange after my first shot so I am thankful for God’s protection and I am looking forward to getting my second shot." 

Tina Tai, 25, Solosolo

“I am done with both my COVID-19 shots as I have to obey orders from the Ministry of Health, what they’re saying is for our own protection.  Samoa is COVID free but we still need to get fully vaccinated, just in case there’s a possibility of the pandemic entering our island but we are all safe. “

Tusa Raki, 29, Vaitele Fou

“The Ministry of Health advised us women who breastfeeding that we cannot get vaccinated for the safety of our babies. I wish we can get the COVID-19 shot in order to be immune and fight back the pandemic when it enters our country but it is sad that we (breastfeeding mothers) cannot.”

Kirisimasi Mailei, 49, Solosolo

“I am done with my first COVID shot and everything went great and there were no side effects. Currently I am waiting for my second shot which is on the 30^th of July, even though Samoa is currently COVID-19 free. The purpose why I am getting both COVID shots is to motivate my family members to get fully vaccinated too because we don’t know what time COVID will strike our country but at least we’re safe.”