Miss Pacific Islands on the vaccination team frontline

Amongst the hardworking staff administering the Covid-19 vaccines is a familiar face to the Pasifika community, the multitalented Fonoifafo Mcfarland Seumanu. She is not only a registered nurse and vital frontline worker, but she is also the reigning Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands. 

Fono has spent her reign serving within the health sectors in both Samoa and New Zealand. In 2019 she was a key part of the team that implemented the mass measles vaccination program following Samoa's measles epidemic. Fast forward to 2021, she is still playing an important part in public health programs. Fono is one of the few independent authorised vaccinators in New Zealand that has undergone special training which allows her to vaccinate with the Pfizer vaccine. On top of that, she has been active online in educating her followers, combating the spread of misinformation, and sharing reassuring messages from her expertise as a healthcare professional. 

Our coco team talked with Fono, and she gave us a rundown on what we need to know about the Covid-19 Vaccine. 

What has been your experience with the recent vaccine rollout? 

I'm not new to any of the vaccination programs. It's all been a part of my role as a public health nurse from the very beginning. This is why I'm really excited to be a part of the Covid19 vaccine rollout in New Zealand. I was also in Samoa helping with Covid19 preparations before we had our first case. Then I moved back to New Zealand where I worked in the managed isolation facilities and out swabbing in the community. I really appreciate the response we've received from people who have come through. A lot of them have understandably come in a bit anxious but then they're leaving feeling more comfortable and protected. I've come across a lot of people who've asked many questions and sometimes they hesitate, but we open that conversation up because we want people to...

1. Give informed consent
2. Be comfortable in knowing that they are receiving a vaccine that's been medically approved.

Are there any quick vaccine myths that you’d like to squash?

A lot of people have concerns about how quickly this vaccine has come about. I saw someone post something about how in the past it took years to create a vaccine while the Covid one is new. I want to remind everyone that although it's new in New Zealand it is not a new vaccine. Israel vaccinated roughly half of their 9 million population with at least the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. The vaccine has also gone through MedSafe which is a company that approves all medications that are released in New Zealand. 

What are some important facts you feel Pacific people need to know about the Covid vaccine? 

• The COVID-19 vaccines are being held to the same high safety standards as all vaccines.
• The team administering the COVID-19 vaccines are authorised vaccinators and qualified medical staff.
• The vaccine would not have been given approval for use in New Zealand unless sufficient data on both safety and on how well the vaccine works had been extensively reviewed. All clinical trials involved an independent safety monitoring committee.
• There are no safety concerns around giving COVID-19 vaccines to the elderly.
• Steps have NOT been skipped to get us our vaccines. It is true that the COVID-19 vaccines have been produced faster than previous vaccines, but this is not because steps are being skipped. Instead, a combination of increased funding, international collaboration, and removing barriers that usually slow progress (i.e. by doing some of the processes at the same time rather than one after the other) has sped up progress.
• The Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine is the approved vaccine currently being administered in New Zealand. The same vaccine is currently showing effective results in Israel.
• In just over a week over 5000+ border workers have received the covid-19 Pfizer BioNTech vaccine. Out of everyone, there have been no allergic reactions and we monitor you for 30 minutes post-vaccination to be safe.

Have you had your vaccine? 

I had my vaccine two weeks ago and I'm feeling fine. I had a sore arm and a slight headache the following day but that's to be expected. 80% of us get the same reaction. Working at the frontline and having this vaccine means that we can add another layer of protection. It means we can protect not only ourselves but our families who may be vulnerable. 

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Where should people be getting their vaccine information from?

I recommend checking out the IMAC site for validated information on the Pfizer vaccine. The nurses also do an amazing job at explaining everything in person and answer all your questions. 

What advice would you give to our community in order to avoid misinformation?

I ask that before you press share/comment/like on posts online, ask yourself “Is this validated information?” “Can I trust this source?” and “Where can I find out more information from?”. That is what we can do to eradicate the spread of misinformation.  

Do you have any last messages for our Pacific community?

I would reiterate that it's ok to feel anxious about these things and it's ok to be unsure, but we urge people to ask their questions to health professionals. I'm excited about this vaccine and excited that it will be available to everyone in New Zealand. So if you do get the opportunity to take it I hope you can trust that this will yield something greater for our future. I feel privileged to be involved in an important milestone, and even more honoured that I get to serve our Pasifika families through this course.