Samoa has issued a public health notice, emphasising the importance of booster vaccinations against Covid-19, coinciding with New Zealand’s fifth wave of the virus. The Ministry of Health, led by Dr. Aiono Alec Ekeroma, has urged the community to safeguard against the increased Covid cases reported in New Zealand and the United States, both of which have regular flights to Samoa. The notice highlights the diminishing immunity of those vaccinated in 2021 and 2022.
As New Zealand anticipates a peak in Covid cases just before Christmas, the notice underscores the close ties between New Zealand and Samoa, with frequent travel between the two nations. Professor Michael Plank from Canterbury University notes a noticeable rise in Covid cases over the past two weeks due to emerging variants and waning immunity.
Recent statistics, as of November 13, reveal 284 people hospitalised with Covid in New Zealand, 5947 new cases in the last week, and a seven-day rolling average of 849 new cases. Samoa advises its residents, especially frontline health workers, those over 60, and individuals with underlying health conditions, to get a booster shot if vaccinated more than 12 months ago or to consider a first vaccination.
The public is also reminded of preventive measures, including maintaining a one-meter distance, wearing masks when distancing is not possible, practicing proper hygiene, and staying home when sick. The notice emphasises the potential co-occurrence of Covid-19 and the flu and concludes with Samoa’s official Covid-related death toll of 31 since the pandemic’s onset in late March last year.