31 Oct 2019

Measles epidemic causes deaths in Samoa

From Lately, 10:20 pm on 31 October 2019

A mass vaccination program is being considered for Samoa after a measles epidemic broke out there a month ago.

There's been hesitancy around the measles vaccination MMR program in Samoa which was suspended after human error in the program caused the death of two babies in Samoa last year.

RNZ Pacific's Jenny Meyer has been following the measles epidemic from Auckland where it started before Samoa and Tonga, and she speaks with Karyn about conversations she's been having with New Zealand and Samoa public health officials.

Measles, mumps, rubella, virus vaccine and syringe on blue background.

Photo: Sherry Yates/123RF