PM visits schools as Pfizer vaccination commences

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 07 MARCH 2022: The Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa visited some primary schools this morning – the first day of the Pfizer vaccines rollout for 5-11-year-olds.

The Prime Minister visited the Tanugamanono Primary Schools together with the Minister of Education, Seu’ula Ioane Tu’u’au and the Minister of Health, Valasi Togamaga Tafito Selesele.

The school Principal, Moevanu Tualaulelei Tofilau explained that one of the challenges was that some students in the targeted age group have been made to stay home by their parents as they have the normal flu.

However, their Vaccination Forms have been filled out by their parents for later vaccination when they are well.

Fiame raised a concern with the school Principal and the Village Representative about students who have permanently stopped coming to school.

A school boy gets his Pfizer jab this morning.

According to the Principal, the majority of the students who quit school since 2019, have been enrolled again as they have been penalized by the village for not attending school.

Fiame emphasized that the objective is to administer the Pfizer vaccines to all children eligible through the school system, so they would be in a position to combat the virus when it spreads in the country.
The Tanugamanono hall was packed with parents and their children to be vaccinated.
Some parents said they were concerned as this age group had been exposed in public places without being vaccinated hence their eagerness to have their children vaccinated.

The joint vaccination effort between the Ministries of Health and Education have already publicized the list and dates for all primary schools in Upolu and Savaii for the Pfizer vaccination roll out for 5-11 year olds.