It was around 9:15 this morning that Director of Health Motusa Tuileama Nua was injected with the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at the Tafuna Community Health Center, becoming the first person in American Samoa to be vaccinated.
Motusa went through the registration process and had his vitals taken before he was given the shot.
The Health Director said he felt fine and he encourages the public to be vaccinated and protect themselves from the deadly virus.
He was monitored for 30 minutes after the injection for possible side effects to the vaccine. There were none.
Sixty people mainly health workers and first responders are scheduled to be vaccinated today.
Earlier registered nurses and certified urging assistants were given a quick briefing and review of the vaccination process by Dr. Saipale Fuimaono, Dr Francine Amoa and immunization program administrator Yolanda Masunu.
An announcement from the Medicaid Office had said that patient travelers on next month’s medical charter should report today for their vaccinations at the Tafuna Health Center and the LBJ Hospital.
However this has been changed. DOH officials said this morning that all patient travelers and their escorts will be vaccinated at the LBJ Hospital.
The first vaccine shipment arrived yesterday afternoon and was to include 3,900 doses…the first and second doses for Covid-19.
The medical charter which was originally scheduled for January 8 has been pushed back to January 12.
