First batch of COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Samoa

SUVA -- The first batch of COVID-19 vaccine arrived in the South Pacific island nation of Samoa on Friday, local media reported.

According to local English newspaper the Samoa Observer, over 20,000 vials of the vaccine, sourced under the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility, arrived at the Faleolo International Airport near Apia, capital of Samoa, on Friday afternoon.

Interim Chair of the National Emergency Operations Center in Samoa Agafili Shem Leo said that upon the vaccine's arrival, the Samoan Ministry of Health will begin preparations for the rollout. Health workers including doctors and nurses will be vaccinated first, followed by frontline workers before the wider population aged 18 and above.

Samoa, with a population of over 190,000, recorded its first confirmed COVID-19 case on Nov. 19 last year.