Health authorities

Samoa to begin COVID-19 vaccination for children

Health authorities have confirmed that this eligible age group will be the Ministry of Health’s next focus. 

Deputy-Director General of Public Health, Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thomsen said, “All the vaccines that the Ministry currently has in its possession will expire by November 30, “and we should be able to use up all these vaccines before that.”

“And even if we have vaccinated everyone in the country there will be a surplus of vaccines,” he said during a Samoa Maloloina programme.”

Solomons imposes travel restrictions over Pacific measles outbreak

The outbreak which started in New Zealand has hit Samoa the hardest with 76 people killed as of Wednesday and more than 5,300 cases recorded since October.

A statement from the Solomon Islands health ministry issued on 11 December said everyone travelling to Solomon Islands must present a traveller's public health declaration card on arrival.

Anyone travelling from countries affected by measles must show certified proof that they have received a measles vaccination at least three weeks prior to arriving in Solomon Islands.