The Government of Samoa will continue with its free National Measles Immunization Campaign until further notice as the country grapples with a measles epidemic.
Under the campaign, all Samoans aged between 6-months and 19-years and women aged from 20 to 35-years except if they are pregnant are to get vaccinated.
These groups are prioritized as unvaccinated young children are at highest risk of measles and its complications, including death.
To date, all babies and children who have tragically passed away have been unvaccinated.
Women aged 20 to 35 years, and who aren’t pregnant, are also prioritized for vaccination as they are most at risk of serious complications, including death, if they get measles whilst pregnant.
Individuals experiencing a high fever should not be vaccinated and referred to a doctor and return for vaccination once well.
Time and location of the vaccination clinics
Free measles vaccination will be available at the following locations and times:
Upolu
Services operating 9am to 8pm Monday - Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturday:
● TTM Hospital
● Faleolo District Health Center
● Leulumoega District Health Center
● Lufilufi District Health Center
● Lalomanu District Health Center
● Poutasi District Health Center
● Saanapu District Health Center
● Youth Friendly Centre at Matagialalua
Apia based clinics (Special Booths) operating Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm and 9am to 1pm Saturday:
● Samoa Family Health Association
● Samoa Tourism Authority Fale
● Samoan Red Cross Services operating 9am to 8pm
Savai’i
Monday - Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturday:
● MT2 Hospital
● Safotu District Health Center
● Sataua District Health Center
● Foailalo District Health Center
● Satupaitea District Health Center
Teams will also be going out to communities on certain dates for the FREE vaccinations. The community will be updated with further information about the dates and locations of the outreach immunization teams once confirmed.
About measles
Measles is a serious and very infectious disease caused by a virus.
The virus spreads easily from person to person by breathing, coughing and sneezing.
Photo Government of Samoa