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Health Dept. urging local eligible population to get COVID-19 vax

Social Media posting
reporterss@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In its push to get the local population eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination to get their shots, the Health Department launched this week a new social media public awareness campaign “Roll Up Your Sleeves Amerika Samoa”.

The campaign to “Protect AS One”, promotes the move, “We Are Bringing the Vaccine to You”, with the COVID-19 Vaccinate Team holding the final weekend vaccination drive in villages on Saturday, July 24th at the following locations: Amouli Community Health Center, Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs gym in Tafuna, Leone Catholic Church Hall, Fale Samoa at Su’igaula o le Atuvasa at Utulei, and Pavaiai LDS Chapel. The Saturday clinics are from 8a.m to 3p.m.

According to DoH, a free t-shirt, “Flex Your Shot”, will be given to individuals ages 12-30, while supplies last, for those who show up on Saturday for their shots.

DoH said that a “special transportation service” is available for this Saturday. For those in need of transportation to the vaccination sites, look out for the free-of-charge vaccination buses with the COVID-19 vaccination banner displayed on them.

Transportation is also available for individuals with disabilities who may need to be picked up from their homes on Saturday. To book for pick-up or find out more information call the DoH Hotline, 219. Cut-off date to make arrangements for Saturday up is 12noon Thursday, July 22nd.

Meanwhile, the Amouli Community Health Center is the new site for DoH COVID vaccine clinics, along with previous locations at the Tafuna Parental clinic and the Leone Heath Center. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available at these clinics today, Wednesday from 8a.m. to 3p.m. and on Friday from 8a.m. to 12noon.

Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will also be administered today, Wednesday, and Friday during the same time as above at the DoH Fagaalu Well Baby Clinic and at the A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building in Utulei. 

For the LBJ Medical Center COVID vaccination clinic, yesterday, July 20th was the last day, according to the hospital.

In its health advisory issued July 19th, DoH announced that 50.5% of American Samoa’s total population is now fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines. “But remember, our goal is to achieve 80% or higher,” the advisory said. “So if you still haven’t gotten your vaccine, please come in and get it today.”

DoH reminds all those who are past due for their second dose, to get it done as soon as possible. Additionally, children 12 years and older are now eligible to get vaccinated with Pfizer.

DoH says parents must be physically present to sign the consent form for their children 12-17 years old. A legal guardian must show proof of their guardianship or a power of attorney authorizing the consenting adult before they can sign a consent form.

“Please be informed, the DoH will not administer any vaccines to 12-17 year olds if proper documentation is not provided,” said DoH.

Call DoH Hotline 219 for more information or questions.