Samoan authorities charge nurse over death of two infants after vaccinations

Samoan police have charged a nurse after two infants died after receiving vaccination injections in Savai'i last month.

The infants died on July 6 minutes after receiving MMR vaccines at Safotu District Hospital on the island of Savai'i.

The investigation into the deaths has led to authorities charging the nurse on Saturday.

She is set to appear in court on August 14, where Attorney General Lemalu Herman Retzlaff said the charges will be confirmed publicly.

RNZ understands the nurse has been charged with conspiracy to defeat the course of justice.

"The decision to charge was thereafter supported by advice; and it is also confirmed by Police, that investigations are still active and ongoing," Retzlaff said.

Retzlaff said the matter was referred to the Attorney General after "swift and hard-working" investigations by police in Apia and Savai'i.