Covid-19 vaccination

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa said the latest lockdown was recommended by the National Emergency Operations Committee and approved by Cabinet.

The lockdown will not affect government offices and the business community will continue with business as usual.

The latest data released by Samoa's Ministry of Health shows a 95 percent of the eligible adults have had their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine and 70.5 percent have had their second dose.

Teams from the Ministry of Health have been going to schools across the country to administer the doses.

Director General of Health Leausa Take Naseri says they have had great support from schools and parents, and after two weeks they are in a good position.

The Ministry staff are now preparing to administer the second dosage of Pfizer to the nearly 28-thousand eligible children.

“We need to stand united when it comes to the national safety and security of the country,” Fiame said. .

According to Savali newspaper, as of Monday this week, 69.9% of Samoans eligible to receive protection from the Covid-19 virus via the Astrazeneca vaccine completed their vaccination.

That represents 85,149 residents who have had their two doses of the vaccine.

At the same time, 95% or 115,807 Samoans eligible have had their first dose and need to complete their full vaccination by the end of November.

The ministry began visiting schools from Monday to provide vaccinations for Covid-19.

Each school has been informed of the scheduled vaccination date and every parent and guardians will be informed beforehand.

The ministry is urging every parent or guardian to read the information provided before signing the Vaccination Consent form.

The Pfizer vaccine which is called “Cominarty” has been approved for use for children aged 12 years and upwards.

Cominarty has been administered to millions of people around the world and has been proven safe and effective.

Fiame said as of Wednesday last week, close to 95 percent of the eligible population have received their first doses of the Astra Zeneca vaccine, and close to 60 percent have completed their second doses.

“I want to encourage our people to continue their support for the Government’s COVID-19 vaccination programme spearheaded by the Ministry of Health to ensure our country reaches herd immunity,” says Prime Minister Mata'afa.

“The aim is to meet the target percentage of vaccinated people by the end of November to ensure that our country continues to be COVID free.”

Irving, has been staunch against getting vaccinated, despite a New York City order requiring the shot if he is to play or practice with the team at home this season.

"Given the evolving nature of the situation and after thorough deliberation, we have decided Kyrie Irving will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant," Marks said.

Director General of Health, Leausa Dr Take Naseri is reported by the Samoa Observer saying it's important to try and send some back for use in other countries even though this might give the impression to foreign donors that Samoa is "taking their assistance lightly."

Latest data shows 56-percent of Samoa's eligible population has been fully vaccinated and more than 94-percent has received their first dose.

According to the Minister of Health, Valasi Toogamaga Tafito, five percent of the eligible population is left to receive the first jab.

Vaccination sites like Samoa Tourism Authority Fale, main hospital and a site beside the waterfront in Apia will reopen after the White Sunday public holiday which is being celebrated today.

The Minister acknowledged the teamwork and collaboration from members of the public during the mass vaccination campaign.

Apolima Island mayor, Leala Afe Solo said they were concerned that they were close to reaching the deadline for the first jab of the vaccination programme and they were yet to be vaccinated.

Many of the villagers are elderly and unable to travel to the main land to receive their jabs.

In response, the ministry sent a team by boat to Apolima to conduct vaccinations.

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Videos that say approved vaccines are dangerous and cause autism, cancer or infertility are among those that will be taken down, the company said.

The policy includes the termination of accounts of anti-vaccine influencers.

Tech giants have been criticised for not doing more to counter false health information on their sites.

In July, US President Joe Biden said social media platforms were largely responsible for people's scepticism in getting vaccinated by spreading misinformation, and appealed for them to address the issue.