Samoa's Ministry of Health Headquarters. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Dominic Godfrey
The New Zealand government is donating 6000 doses of the Boostrix vaccine to Samoa to combat whooping cough, the Samoa government says.
A whooping cough outbreak was declared in Samoa last November.
Samoa has not previously had access to the Boostrix vaccine, which offers protection against pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus.
As of 20 January, there have been 363 reported cases of whooping cough, with confirmed 24 cases.
Samoa's Health Ministry said that 184 of the cases involve children under five years old, and 121 of those are infants under one year old.
The Health Security and Disease Surveillance Division is investigating suspected or confirmed cases and contacts to prevent further spread.
The majority of cases are on Upolu, with one case on Savai'i.
The vaccine distribution plan will prioritise frontline responders, healthcare personnel, and expectant mothers, according to the Health Ministry.
Pregnant women are encouraged to receive the Boostrix vaccine, which is approved by Medsafe New Zealand for adults.
Infants are at the highest risk during their first few months of life, so vaccination during the second or third trimester of pregnancy is critical for providing them with the necessary protection until they can receive their immunisations.
Parents are strongly encouraged to ensure their children receive their vaccinations on schedule.
In New Zealand, a baby died from whooping cough two months into an epidemic.
Health officials declared an epidemic late last year as cases spiked to levels not seen since 2018.
