There were 35 vaccination teams from the Ministry of Health were mobilized today to pre-school and primary school in the Vaimauga District to start the vaccination drIve to protect children age 5 to 11 years old from COVID-19.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa was on site at four of the schools, Tanugamanono Primary, Vaivase-tai Primary, Vailele Primary School and the Samoa Primary (Private) School at Vailele as well.

The Prime Minister over the weekend had announced the start of the vaccination drive for the young children from Fa’aala Savai’i over the weekend after launching the Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2021-2026 in Salelologa.

In her address, Fiame acknowledged the Government of New Zealand’s generosity for the donation of 30,000 Pfizer vaccine dozers for Samoa’s children. And called on the parents, teachers and traditional leaders support to assist government and school officials with the program.

Today’s site visit by the Prime Minister, accompanied by Cabinet Ministers for Health Tafito Valasi Luapitofanua Toogamaga Tafito Selesele and Education Minister Seuula Ioane Tuā’au was prompted as a show of moral support for the teams on the ground and reassurances to the country, that under the new Governments’ watch, they will not leave anyone behind including the young children during these trying times as a result of COVID-19.

Like the vaccines for adults, the Pfizer vaccines for the 5 to 11 years old must be administered twice however for the young ones they need to complete the 2 injections in four weeks after their initial injections.

The vaccination drive in Upolu is continuing through-out this week until Saturday.

For Tuesday, 8th March 2022 the Vaccination Teams will be at the following schools;

• Manumalo Baptist

• Agape School

• Anglican School

• Apia Primary School

• Seven Adventist School

• Holy Family Pre-School

• Mrs. Gabriel Pre School

• Vaimea Primary School

• Peace Chapel School

Vaimoso Primary School

• LDS Church Middle School.

For more information, contact TOLL FREE #8006440.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa visiting students at Vaivase-tai, Tanugamanono, Vailele and Samoa Primary today accompanied by Health Minister Tafito Valasi Luapitofanua Toogamaga Tafito Selesele and Education Minister Seuula Ioane Tuā’au was prompted as a show of moral support for the teams on the ground and reassurances to the country, that under the new Governments’ watch, they will not leave anyone behind including the young children during these trying times as a result of COVID-19.