Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The recent release of 2020 Census data for American Samoa coupled with the approval of the Pfizer vaccine by FDA for children aged 5 - 11 years old is having an impact on the territory’s vaccination data, according to the weekly press statement from the COVID-19 Task force.

VACCINATION UPDATES

American Samoa Department of Health’s Dr Francine Amoa presented the vaccination rates for the Territory and how updates on the official 2020 Census count have impacted local vaccination numbers.

As published earlier in Samoa News, the official 2020 American Samoa population count reported by the US Census Bureau to the American Samoa Department of Commerce is 49,710.

Data utilized by the AS Department of Health prior to the release of the US Census Bureau’s official 2020 population numbers, estimated American Samoa’s total population for the Year 2020 at 47,392 –– a few thousand less. Thus, the total population denominator has led to a slight decrease by a few percentage points regarding the total number of individuals of the entire population with at least one dose and individuals that have been fully vaccinated. Further, the recent approval of Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the Pfizer vaccine by FDA for children aged 5 - 11 years old has increased the number of eligible residents in the Territory.

The most recent vaccination figures for vaccination coverage of the entire territorial population based on the 2020 Census population are as follows:

69.6% have at least one dose

1.6% past due for 2nd shot

1.9% 1st shot only and waiting for 2nd shot (not past due)

66.1% are fully vaccinated

21.4% have no shots yet

9.0% are ineligible (children under 5 years of age)

Dr. Amoa emphasized that as the US Census Bureau via the Department of Commerce provides further data on the population breakdown by age, DOH will be able to provide specifics on vaccination coverage by age group to the COVID-19 Task Force. 

TASK FORCE UPDATES

Alternate GAR/Attorney General Fainu’ulelei Ala’ilima-Utu reported in his opening remarks that as of earlier in the day, approximately 260 passengers have been confirmed for the next Hawaiian Air flight — according to the latest updates provided at the weekly COVID-19 Task Force meeting.

Meanwhile, the ASG Emergency Operations Center (EOC) reports that 262 passengers arrived on last Monday night’s flight from Honolulu and are in quarantine at Tradewinds Hotel, Fatu O Aiga, and Sadie’s by the Sea Hotel. 

The 277 travelers from the October 14th flight were discharged from quarantine last week Friday and the individual who tested positive in isolation was released in accordance with medical team guidelines.

MASS VACCINATION INITIATIVE 

To help achieve our goal of 90% of American Samoa’s population being vaccinated, there is a multi-day Mass Vaccination Drive planned for all the villages in American Samoa in late November involving various ASG departments and agencies to ensure that every household in American Samoa has access to the COVID 19 vaccine.

Key agencies will work closely with leaders of villages, churches, businesses, NGOs, government and the media  to ensure public information and awareness on the mass vaccination initiative is rolled out strategically. The plan will be presented to the Governor for his approval.

(Source: COVID-19 Task Force)