Samoa's Ministry of Health has advised parents and guardians that the COVID-19 booster vaccination for children ages 12 to 17 years has now been made available.

The M.O.H. made the announcement on its Facebook page last Friday, advising members of the public of the availability of the booster shot at different sites including district hospitals around the country as well as the E.P.I. Building at Moto'otua and the M.O.H. Health Center at Matagialalua. 

This service will be made available on Monday starting from 9am to 4pm. 

"Please be advised that children ages 12-17 years can only get their booster vaccination if there has been any six months interval since their second primary series vaccination," the Ministry's notice reads. 

"If one has become infected with COVID-19, they must wait three (3) months since testing negative before they may have their Booster Vaccination."

This is the same for those aged 18 years and above who are able to get their booster shot which is also now available at the same sites.

The Ministry also advised that if anyone of the eligible population turns up at the sites acutely sick or tests positive to the COVID-19 virus, they will not be vaccinated until they are fully recovered.

Everyone who goes to the sites to get their booster shots have to present their vaccination cards and ensure that they and their children are wearing face masks.

"To receive your booster vaccination, the public is hereby advised you must present your vaccination card, ensure that you and your child wear a mask, and ensure that you and your child has had breakfast and is well hydrated."

Parents have also been encouraged to ensure that their children had a full meal and are well hydrated before they are administered with the booster shot.

COVID-19 community cases in Samoa continue to drop with the Ministry's latest situational report covering Saturday 11 June to Monday 13 June 2022 only reporting 75 new cases.