Oxford-AstraZeneca

While officially receiving the vaccinations today, Tuilaepa said Samoa is the 6th Pacific country to have received their allocation of vaccines through the COVAX Facility in the past month.

He thanked the COVAX Facility and all the partners that have contributed to ensuring all countries, in particular small islands states and low income countries, have access to the vaccines.

Scientists say the strain accounts for 90% of new Covid cases in South Africa.

The study, involving around 2,000 people, found the vaccine offered "minimal protection" against mild and moderate cases of Covid-19.

South Africa has received 1m doses of the AstraZeneca jab and was due to start vaccinating people next week.