By Martha Taumata Fa’avae
A strong moral appeal is being made for the unvaccinated to take responsibility for not just their own health safety but family members and other loved ones around them as well.
The last figures since the COVID vaccination roll out started last year shows just over 10 percent of the eligible population still left to complete all their two injections.
‘We’ve managed to stay safe so far but we really have to give priority to our own health protection if or when the virus do get in which is always a possibility,” Director General of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri urged during the week.
Around 96 percent of the eligible population have received first doses while up to 85 percent have completed their second.
Co-ordinators of the vaccination roll out have looked at several options to complete the final count of people still left to have all their injections done.
A newer option to be tried starting next month is for all public sector workers to present their vaccination cards at work before they are allowed into the office.
NEOC Chairman, Agafili Shem Leo announced the new undertaking in a press conference during the week.
“Support from the private sector is also being encouraged along the same line of commitment to make the option a common code observed between the two sectors,” Agafili explained.
The vaccination for children in the 5-12 year age group resumes next month and it has so far appeared relatively easier to have them take their injections, compared to the larger grouping of 18 years and upwards.
An added health safety worry pointed out for people yet to complete their required injections are the risks of serious effects of the virus on those who with diabetes or are obese.
The two health conditions have a very high rate on Samoans.