The Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) begun vaccinating children between the ages of 12-17 with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at selected primary and secondary schools on Monday. 

It was a busy morning for the vaccination teams preparing and mobilising for the selected schools to rollout the vaccination campaign.

The vaccination of Samoa's population against COVID-19 will provide protection against the virus that is now endemic throughout the world. 

According to a list of schools provided by the M.O.H. there were over 10 schools that will begin the vaccination programme on Monday.

The schools include: Luatuanuu Primary School; Laulii Primary School; Letogo Primary School; Vailele Primary School; Samoa Primary School; Fagali’i Primary School; Falefitu Primary School; Moataa Primary School; Vaivase Primary School; Magiagi Primary School; Tanugamanono Primary School; and Vaiala Beach School. 

For the secondary schools it included: Samoa College; Vaimauga College; and Maluafou College. 

The Fagali’i Primary School Principal, Faasega Sakaria, told the Samoa Observer that with 226 students in the school around 35 are eligible to be vaccinated.

“In my perspective, [... vaccinating ...] children, especially those attending schools, is significant,” she said.

Ms. Sakaria added that the vaccination campaign is also important to protect the children in case the COVID-19 virus got into the country.

“If the children are well protected before the virus enters our shores then it will be easier for the work of our front-liners especially the doctors and nurses in dealing with the situation.

“Thankfully, the students have completed their national examinations followed by getting vaccinated and they will prepare for their final exams of the year.

“The parents have to sign the consent forms so that the nurses are authorised to vaccinate the children, [majority] of the students were accompanied by their parents during the vaccination process.”

She also added that after getting vaccinated the students waited for 20 minutes before leaving.

The mother of four also shared that she has one child who also got vaccinated.

“From a mother’s view, I think that the protection of our children is a priority and getting vaccinated will help them be protected.

“And for any parent, we are familiar with vaccinations because from a young age the children are encouraged to be vaccinated and we should also help and support the work that our health officials such as nurses are conducting, it is not easy what they are tasked with.”

Ms. Sakaria also acknowledged the work spearheaded by the Health Ministry in trying to vaccinate the children to protect them but also ensure the country as a whole is protected.

The Pfizer vaccine which is called “Cominarty” has been approved for use for children aged 12 and upwards. Cominarty has been administered to millions of people around the world and has been proven safe and effective.

In addition, the Pfizer vaccine is a two dose vaccine with a four week interval.

The Ministry has relayed that the second dose will be given at the end of November/early December.

The Ministry has further advised that on the vaccination day: ensure that your child has had breakfast and is well hydrated; provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate or passport; wear loose clothing for easy access to the upper arm.

Schools scheduled for Tuesday 26 October 2021 include: Avele College; Vailima Primary School; Divine Mercy; Manumalo Baptist Primary School; Peace Chapel Primary School; Vaimoso Primary School; Vailoa Primary School; Vaiusu Primary School; Vaigaga Primary School; Chanel College; St. Peter Chanel Primary School; Papauta Girls College; Leififi College; Lepea Primary School; St. Theresa Primary School; and Ah Mu Academy. 

And those scheduled for Wednesday 27 October 2021 are: Apia Primary School; Anglican Primary School; Samoa Adventist College; Vaimea Primary School; St. Mary’s Primary School; Marist Brothers; Pesega Middle School; Pesega College; Faleata College; St. Mary’s College; Robert Louis Stevenson Primary School; and Fa’atuatua College.