Do You Need Vaccines to Travel to American Samoa?

As of November 2022, travellers no longer need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, recovery or a negative test result to enter American Samoa. However, online registration is still required before your arrival.

In the event of any policy change, we will update this page as well as our full guide on What Documents Do I Need to Travel to American Samoa? LINK#TT045

Despite the list of recommended vaccinations, the likelihood of visitors to American Samoa getting an infectious disease is very slim, but some of the listed diseases below have been found in rare cases of travellers visiting American Samoa. Illnesses like dengue fever and chikungunya (see in the "Health Issues to Be Aware of in American Samoa" section below) are more likely but there are no vaccines available for prevention.

Either way, it’s always a good idea to make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date (adults require boosters for some vaccines), and get the travel vaccinations that we list below to stay on the safe side.

Visit your travel clinic or GP 4-6 weeks before your trip to get up-to-date information on which vaccines are best to have for American Samoa. When you get vaccines for you or your children, make sure to keep a record of them – many practices offer a “Travel Vaccination Passport”.

Travel Vaccinations for American Samoa

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A spreads through food and water. While most people recover completely from hepatitis A, the vaccine is close to 100% protective.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B spreads through blood and body fluids and is much more serious than hepatitis A. While treatment is complex, the prevention vaccine is highly effective.

Typhoid Vaccine

Typhoid is a disease spread through food and water where there have been minor typhoid outbreaks in American Samoa in recent history. The typhoid vaccine typically lasts two years.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Although most of the population in American Samoa is vaccinated against COVID-19, it can still be prevalent in travellers to and from the country. It's best to be vaccinated to prevent/decrease symptoms.

Routine Vaccinations

Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

The MMR vaccine is given to children as routine in many countries. The vaccine is recommended to anyone unvaccinated, as American Samoa has experienced a measles epidemic in recent history. An adult booster is also recommended.

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (TDAP) Vaccine

These airborne diseases are also spread through wounds. While this is a routine vaccination in children in many countries, an adult booster is recommended, particularly for pertussis.

Polio Vaccine

Polio spreads through food and water. The polio vaccine is considered routine for children in many countries. A single adult booster vaccine is recommended.

Meningitis Vaccine

Meningococcal disease, which causes meningitis, is an airborne disease that has been an issue in local communities in American Samoa in recent years. The vaccine is recommended to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk.

While American Samoa is safe for most travellers, there are a few slightly more common medical issues experienced in American Samoa. Take a look at the list below of some that you need to be aware of. For more information on symptoms, see American Samoa Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to American Samoa? LINK#TT027

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a mosquito-transmitted disease that has regular outbreaks in American Samoa. While there is no vaccine for dengue fever, the best way to prevent it is to avoid being bitten by day-biting mosquitos. See the 11 Best Insect Repellents for American Samoa + How to Treat & Avoid Bites.

Chikungunya

Another mosquito-transmitted disease, chikungunya, has also had outbreaks in American Samoa. There is no vaccine for chikungunya, but the best way to prevent it is to avoid mosquito bites. Again, see the 11 Best Insect Repellents for American Samoa + How to Treat & Avoid Bites for prevention methods.

Zika Virus

Zika virus is a mosquito-transmitted disease that, although producing mild symptoms, can be severe for pregnant or breastfeeding women who can pass on the infection to their child with a risk of serious brain anomalies and microcephaly. Again, see the 11 Best Insect Repellents for American Samoa + How to Treat & Avoid Bites for prevention methods.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is caused by long periods of sun exposure. It can be prevented by applying high-factor sunscreen every three hours, covering up exposed skin, staying in the shade at midday, and drinking plenty of water. Check out our recommended sunscreens and sun protection advice in The Best Sunscreens for American Samoa + Sun Protection Tips.

E-coli (Traveller’s Diarrhoea)

E-coli is a virus resulting from contaminated food and water. Precautions to take include boiling water for at least 10 minutes if the water is not from a safe source and washing hands regularly. See more tips for making sure you have access to safe drinking water in our guide, Is the Water Safe to Drink in American Samoa?

Ciguatera

Ciguatera is fish poisoning caused by eating reef fish that have eaten particular types of seaweed. The best way to prevent it is to avoid eating reef fish; most restaurants and accommodations serve bluewater fish, which are not susceptible to carrying the disease.

Get more tips for staying safe and healthy using our American Samoa Safety Tips LINK#TT027.