The Ministry of Health have issued a statement informing the public of the official introduction of the Hexavalent Vaccine into the country’s National Immunization Schedule.
The notice is signed by Auliaimalae Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thomsen as Acting Director General of Health.
Thomsen states that the Hexavalent Vaccine is a single injection that protects against six serious childhood diseases being (i) Diphtheria, (ii) Tetanus, (iii) Pertussis (Whooping Cough) 4, (iv) Hepatitis B, (v) Haemophilus influenzae type b {Hib) and (vi) Polio.
“The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public of the official introduction of the Hexavalent Vaccine into the National Immunization Schedule. This important step will help strengthen protection for all Samoan children against multiple preventable diseases”.
What is the Hexavalent Vaccine?
This new 6-in-1 vaccine replaces existing multiple separate vaccines, including Pentavalent, Oral Polio, and Injectable Polic vaccines, making it easier and more efficient for both parents and health workers.
The Hexavalent Vaccine has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is already being used safely in many countries around the world.
Benefits of the Hexavalent Vaccine;
• Your child will now need fewer injections overall instead of multiple shots
• Less discomfort for babies
• Simplified vaccine schedule to remember.
• Saves time and reduces pressure on health services
• Increases trust and uptake in vaccination programs
The Hexavalent Vaccine will be given to infants as at 6, 10, 14 weeks and 15 months of age alongside other routine immunizations as part of the national immunization schedule.
The rollout will start in urban health facilities, and over the coming weeks, the vaccine will become available in district hospitals and rural communities.
The Hexavalent Vaccine may cause some mild side effects, like all vaccines, such as fever, soreness at the injection site, or tiredness. These are usually minor and go away quickly. Serious side effects are extremely rare, but if a parent or caregiver notice anything unusual, please visit a nearest health clinic or district hospital.
To support the introduction of the Hexavalent Vaccine, the Ministry of Health will carry out a nationwide community awareness campaign starting next week. This will include village outreach, media programs, school sessions, and dissemination of print materials to help parents understand the benefits of the vaccine
The Ministry urges all parents and caregivers to ensure their children are fully vaccinated on time, every time, not only with Hexavalent but with all other required vaccines under the national immunization schedule.
Let’s protect Samoa’s future. For more information, please contact our National Immunization Clinic on telephone 66694, MOH Facebook page – @healthsamoa or MOH website: www.health.gov.ws.
Ma le fa’aaloalo
Auliaimalae Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thomsen
ACTING DIRECTOR GENERAL OF HEALTH – MINISTRY OF HEALTH
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