Transcript
ROBERT THOMSEN: Specific to the two babies, I'm not going to comment on that as investigations are still ongoing. In regards to the immunisation programme the Ministry has already advised to restart the immunisation programme but to hold of MMR for the time being until we've completed all other assessments, which we are working with WHO on those particular details. But for the programme on other vaccines, the Ministry has already advised to restart. So the National Health Service at this stage, I'm sure sure whether they have restarted, because I'm a bit busy with other things.
JENNY MEYER: So going forward will there be any kind of review in Samoa of immunisation practices, or training for nurses, support or anything like that?
RT: That has already been recommended for preliminary reporting that the Ministry will have to review it further and then see how we can address that better. But until all investigations are completed, I cannot comment further. We're looking at that as part and parcel of moving forward.
JM: And I guess members of the public, the community, parents with young children must be quite worried about immunisation in light of what's happened. Will there be more input going into the education regarding the benefits of immunisation?
RT: The benefits of immunisation, no one can deny that. But that's the challenge that we do have is to regain the confidence of the public in the immunisation programme, and that's why we are continuing to work with the WHO on addressing that.
JM: What about the coverage for measles, mumps and rubella in the mean time. Those children are going to be left more vulnerable to those diseases. What's your advice for parents regarding that?
RT: At the moment the coverage is alright, with all vaccine related diseases. So coverage wise it's not a problem. And with measles vaccines, we continue to hold that off. We can always do later on, what you call a 'catch up' immunisation for that particular vaccine.
JM: And do you have any concerns about the cold chain supply storage of vaccines in general across Samoa. I guess it's a tropical country and these vaccines need to be kept at a certain temperature to be effective. What's the Ministry's plan there?
RT: Well cold chain is always a concern regardless of how good the system is, cold chain is always a concern when it comes to vaccines and we're keeping a close eye on the cold chain at the moment. And the cold chain I can confidently say at this stage it's okay. It's doing what it's supposed to do but there are still things that need to be improved on.
JM: And just finally, the nursing workforce must have sort of taken fright with what's happened here. The nurse involved in the case has been charged now. Do you have any plans for more educational input for nurses who are having to administer these vaccines through the immunisation programme?
RT: Plans for capacity building and all that, we're working on those to see how best we can implement those plans put forward and it's being discussed.
