Two senior Samoan nurses, who pleaded guilty to negligence causing the manslaughter of two infants, have been sentenced to five years in prison.
Leutogi Te'o (C) and Luse Tauvale (R) talking to their lawyer after entering guilty pleas Photo: RNZ/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
The nurses administered doses of the Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine that had been incorrectly mixed with another substance.
TV1 Samoa reported Luse Emo Tauvale was jailed for five years and six months while Leutogi Te'o received five years.
Acting Chief Justice Vui Clarence Nelson said there was no question in his mind that an imprisonment sentence was required.
He said the nurses were accountable for the harm they had caused - not only to the victims whose lives were cut short but also to the families involved.
The parents of both babies said they accepted the Supreme Court's decision and that they had forgiven the nurses.
The two toddlers Lannacalastah Samuelu and Lameko Sui died within minutes of receiving the vaccine at Safotu hospital in Savaii last year.
