ENT/Audiology Department of Samoa welcomes the introduction of the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) into the national childhood immunisation program

ABSTRACT

The Pacific Island region is estimated to have among the highest levels of otitis media (middle ear infections) and secondary hearing loss in the world [3], and a public health approach has already been advocated for its prevention, early identification, and management in the Pacific Islands [4]. The significant factors contributing to pneumococcal carriage and density continue to be young age, residential location, living with young children, low family income, and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection [10]. Again, the lesson we can draw from the Papua New Guinean experience is that PCV is but one part of a package of public health care measures: childhood immunisations should not overshadow the role of environmental health measures in reducing the risk of infections. Ear disease, hearing loss, and PCV introduction in Samoa – the way forward At this time, the foreseeable challenge in Samoa is restoring public confidence in childhood immunisations and achieving optimal immunisation coverage rates through health promotion activities [14].