Samoa’s Ministry of Health has issued a public alert over the increased number of measles cases reported from New Zealand and Australia.
The alert was issued this morning after reports of more cases recorded from travellers from Asia and the United States entering New Zealand and Australia.
“The Ministry strongly urges all parents and caregivers to ensure that children under 2 years of age receive their routine measles vaccinations without delay at your nearest health facility,” said the Health Alert.
The Ministry also informed the public that the main immunisation centre at Moto’otua is open throughout the week and on Saturdays and that 2 doses of the measles vaccine are required, the first at 12 months and the second at 15 months.
“Both doses must be completed to ensure complete protection,” said the Ministry’s alert.
The Ministry is also encouraging parents that if their child’s Immunisation Booklet is lost or misplaced, they can still visit the nearest hospital to have their child’s records checked and updated.
The Ministry is urging the public to ensure the children are vaccinated to avoid a repetition of the 2019 tragedy where more than 5000 cases were recorded and 83 lives lost, mainly young children.
The outbreak left a devastating and sad effect on the families and communities whose lives were touched by the loss of loved ones.
The Government at the time downplayed the outbreak until too many young lives were lost due to the very low immunisation coverage at the time. One mother tragically lost three children to the epidemic.
