The first to have received their Covid-19 vaccinations are now due for their second dose of AstraZeneca as Samoa continues to be free from the global pandemic.
In an update press conference with the media and the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), the Director General of Health confirmed Samoa had reached 40,360 vaccinated with the first dose and the roll-out was now open for second doses.
“There are an estimated 117,000 adults over 18 eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination, so we have achieved 34% so far,” said Leausa Dr Take Naseri.
Leausa confirmed that 24,000 more doses were expected and assured Samoa’s vaccination programme provides adequately to cover the nation’s target number.
Coronavirus which has claimed over 3.8 million lives and affected over 160 million people around the globe to date. Samoa remains Covid-19 free with only one reported case who was in isolation. So far Samoa has had no community cases of the deadly virus.
AstraZeneca is a two-dose vaccine approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and distributed by the COVAX facility and its partners. COVAX is co-led by CEPI, Gavi and WHO, alongside key delivery partner UNICEF.
Samoa has received its doses through the Covax faculty with the remaining doses being supplied through joint efforts of the Samoa Government and its development partners.
Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo and the Director General of Health assured the nation of the NEOC’s commitment to maintain the health of safety of Samoa throughout the global pandemic, including the rolling out of vaccines.
The AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine has been linked to rare cases of blood clotting and although various countries did temporarily suspend its use, many have since resumed saying the benefits far outweighed the losses as the world tries to combat the global pandemic.
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