Samoa's government is urging its citizens to get a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine as New Zealand faces its fifth wave of the virus.
Considering increased cases in New Zealand and the US, Aiono Alec Ekeroma from Samoa's Ministry of Health called on people to inoculate themselves against COVID-19
"New Zealand has just experienced a fifth wave of COVID-19 infections and the United States has high infection rates in areas," Dr Ekeroma said.
"Both countries have daily flights into our country. There is waning immunity for those who were vaccinated in 2021 and 2022."
Of New Zealand and the US, Aotearoa has closer links with Samoa - with many calling New Zealand home but returning to the island nation to visit family.
Dr Ekeroma has issued the warning as New Zealand health experts predict new cases will peak before Christmas.
In the week to Monday, 5947 new cases emerged. A total of 3502 have died of COVID 19 or coronavirus-related illnesses in New Zealand.
