The Ministry of Health continues to advise parents and guardians to bring all unvaccinated children
especially children under five-years of age to be vaccinated against Measles, Mumps and Rubella
(MMR).
New Zealand has recently confirmed measles cases in their country and is coordinating their health
response to contain these cases. In light of this situation, the Ministry of Health again appeals urgently
to the public to take this matter seriously.
Children need two doses of the MMR vaccine to be considered protected and should be
immunised at the age of 9 months and 15 months. If you are unsure of your child’s immunisation
status or if you do not have your child’s immunisation record, please visit a health facility nearest to
you or call the EPI Unit at the Ministry of Health on phone number 66693 for more information.
The Ministry of Health Samoa continues to advocate and conduct outreaches to villages where MMR
vaccination coverage is low, as well as appealing to the general public to ensure that all children are
fully vaccinated. We are making good progress however we are mindful that there are still children
who may have not received their MMR vaccinations. The Ministry urgently appeals parents and
guardians in the Apia and North West Upolu as well as South East Upolu areas where coverage is low
to bring all unvaccinated children to be vaccinated at the nearest health centre.
What is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It
can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. If other people breathe the contaminated air
or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected.
You risk getting measles if you are not vaccinated and have Vitamin A deficiency. Getting vaccinated
with the MMR vaccine protects you from getting measles, mumps and rubella.
Signs and Symptoms of Measles:
Signs and symptoms of measles include fever, dry cough, redness or swelling in eyes or eyelids or
watery eyes; sensitivity to light; runny nose, sneezing, reddish-brown rash that starts from the head
and spreads throughout the whole body; feeling of tiredness and body aches, and loss of appetite.
Seek medical attention immediately if anyone in your household has these symptoms.

Common complications from measles include ear infections, which can lead to hearing loss or
permanent deafness; diarrhoea; swelling in the brain, which can lead
to intellectual disability; and pneumonia; which is the most common cause of death due to measles.
The Ministry of Health urges the public especially parents to vaccinate their children against
measles and ensure that all other vaccines due for their age are up to date and completed to
protect from other diseases.
For more information, please contact the EPI team on 66693 or Public Health on 66600.
Ma le fa’aaloalo,

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Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma
Director General of Health