Paediatric Pfizer supply runs out – vaccinations halted temporarily

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 07 APRIL 2022: The Ministry of Health has temporarily halted the Paediatric Pfizer vaccinations due to depleted supplies.

This was confirmed by the Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Health, Dr Glenn Atoa Fatupaito.

”We’ve basically depleted our Paediatric Pfizer supply and are awaiting another shipment due this weekend – that’s why we’ve temporarily halted,” he told Talamua.

Samoa received approximately seventy thousand Pfizer vaccines from New Zealand and these vaccines are being used in the current vaccination campaign.

The current vaccination campaign covers boosters, first and second dosages for those 18 years and above. And also includes the first and second Pfizer vaccinations for the 12-17 age group.

Updated Vaccination data from the Ministry of Health dated 5 April showed that:

For the 18 and above age group

• 93.3% have completed first dose

• 90.8% have had second dose

• Only 40,182 had third dose (Booster)

 For the 12 – 17 age group

• 96.6% have first dose

• 81.5% have second dose

 For children 5-11 years

• 91.5% have first dose

• 5.6% have second dose