‘Act now, not later’: Sāmoa urges measles vaccination amid New Zealand outbreak

Samoa’s health leaders are urgently advising parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated against measles, as cases are on the rise in New Zealand and new outbreaks are happening in the region.

While there are no measles cases in Sāmoa, officials are concerned about the increasing outbreaks overseas, particularly in New Zealand, Australia, parts of Asia, and the Americas. The alert is a precautionary measure to prevent a repeat of the 2019 outbreak.

The Ministry of Health says children aged two years and under should get their vaccinations, and parents are encouraged to check their children’s vaccination cards. This is especially important for families in areas with low vaccination rates, such as Northwest Upolu (from Saleimoa to Siufaga), urban areas (from Laulii to Leauvaa), and the Aleipata District.

Deputy Director-General Tagaloa Dr Robert Thomsen says, “We are calling on all parents to make sure their children have both doses of the vaccine. The vaccine is free and available across the country.”

Under Sāmoa’s national immunisation schedule, children receive two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, one at 12 months and the second at 15 months. Health officials stress that full protection requires both doses.

“It’s critical we act now, not later,” Tagaloa says. “Preventing another outbreak depends on everyone ensuring their children are fully immunised.”

A nationwide program in 2019 helped to boost vaccination numbers in Sāmoa. Photo/UNICEF

The warning comes as New Zealand manages new measles cases, confirming 13 infections so far, most linked to a high-risk exposure event on a Bluebridge Ferry earlier this month. Health officials in New Zealand are tracing hundreds of close contacts in Wellington schools, and more cases may arise.

Although New Zealand officially eliminated measles in 2017, experts warn that current vaccine coverage has slipped below levels required to prevent new outbreaks. Coverage for the second dose of the MMR vaccine is estimated to be in the low 80 per cent range, well below the 95 per cent threshold needed to maintain herd immunity.

Given Sāmoa’s travel links with New Zealand and Australia, the risk of transmission is higher due to movement across borders for tourism and labour mobility.

WATCH: Critical Care Nurse, David Barber, volunteered in Sāmoa during the Measles Epidemic in 2019.

In the Western Pacific region, there is a sharp rise in measles cases this year, with tens of thousands of suspected and confirmed infections reported across Asia and the Pacific.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, as of May 2025, the region has recorded more than 3000 confirmed cases and over 11,000 suspected cases, largely driven by resurgent outbreaks in countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Mongolia. In Vietnam alone, over 81,000 suspected cases were reported across 63 provinces by mid-year.

For Sāmoa, these new cases are a strong reminder of the country’s worst health crisis. In 2019, a measles outbreak resulted in 81 deaths and showed the dangers of low vaccination rates. Before the outbreak, only 31 per cent of the population was vaccinated, leaving many children at risk.

This time, health officials are determined to keep Sāmoa measles-free through early prevention efforts and community vigilance.