Travel Vaccines and Advice for American Samoa
American Samoa is made up of six islands and located about 2,200 miles Southwest of Hawaii. The Samoan culture “fa’asamoa” or the “ways of Samoa”, is the oldest in Polynesia at about 3,000 years old.
American Samoa’s rich landscapes include national parks on three separate islands. The National Park of American Samoa is 13,500 acres with 4,000 of that made up of ocean and coral reefs. It has fruit bats, subsistence farming, over 35 species of birds, and more.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for American Samoa?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in American Samoa
What Is the Climate Like in American Samoa?
How Safe Is American Samoa?
Explore the National Park of American Samoa
What Should I Pack for American Samoa?
U.S. Embassy in American Samoa
Do I Need Vaccines for American Samoa?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for American Samoa. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for American Samoa: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for American Samoa |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for American Samoa |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid, caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads via contaminated food and water, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Protect yourself by practicing good hygiene and safe food habits. Vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of typhoid infection, especially when traveling to endemic areas.
- Hepatitis A – Be sure to protect yourself from hepatitis A, a contagious liver infection caused by HAV, through vaccination. The virus spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Along with vaccination, maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding undercooked shellfish are essential for prevention.
- Rabies – Rabies, a fatal viral illness, is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Prevention centers on vaccination, with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) necessary after possible exposure and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) recommended for individuals with increased risk, such as travelers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection spread through bodily fluids, poses a significant health risk. Safe practices help, but vaccination is the ultimate safeguard. It prompts the immune system to produce antibodies, ensuring strong and persistent protection.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are preventable diseases that require a proactive approach through vaccination. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, is a powerful tool in stopping the transmission of these viruses. Ensuring widespread vaccination coverage is essential to protect vulnerable populations and prevent outbreaks.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in American Samoa
Prevent Bug Bites In American Samoa
Guard against bug bites by wearing appropriate clothing and applying repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE. When bitten, clean the area, resist scratching, and relieve itching with over-the-counter solutions. In severe cases, promptly seek medical assistance.
Food and Water Safety In American Samoa
Safely enjoying meals abroad involves precautions like washing hands, avoiding street food, and consuming well-cooked dishes. Opt for bottled or canned drinks and stay vigilant about seal integrity. Preventing travelers’ diarrhea means maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding raw foods, and selecting reputable eateries.
Infections To Be Aware Of In American Samoa
- Dengue – The threat of dengue fever, carried by Aedes mosquitoes, looms large worldwide, with millions infected each year. Prevention through nettings and repellents is a must.
- Zika – Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, spreads through mosquito bites, sexual contact, and from mother to child during pregnancy. Preventive measures include using repellent, practicing safe sex, and removing mosquito breeding sites.
What Is the Climate Like in American Samoa?
American Samoa has a warm, wet, tropical climate with rain and high temperatures all year round. Average temperatures range from the high 70’s to low 90’s F.
Though rain can come at any time, it is more frequent from October to May. Rain can come for a few minutes or a few days. There is typically more rainfall in the higher mountain regions.
The June through September dry season is the drier and cooler part of the year.
November to April is hurricane and cyclone season.
American Samoa has stronger trade winds from May to October.
How Safe Is American Samoa?
As a part of the United States, American Samoa is relatively safe. But, there are some items to be aware of.
Many secondary roads are made mainly from dirt and gravel and are not steady for cars to drive on. These roads are often used by pedestrians and livestock.
Petty and violent crimes do occur in American Samoa. Keep yourself and your belongings safe at all times. Culture in American Samoa is quite conservative, particularly in regards to homosexuality.
Don’t interact with stray dogs in case they become aggressive with you.
Illegal drug trafficking sentences are severe in American Samoa.
Be aware in case of earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, flooding, and landslides.
Explore the National Park of American Samoa
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
The National Park of American Samoa is not just for preserving land or animals. It is also home to the 3,000 year old “fa-asamoa” or “ways of Samoa” culture and traditions. Visitors can enjoy a quiet but vibrant experience spread out over three volcanic islands. The reserved area covers 13,500 acres – 4,000 of which is made up of ocean and coral reefs.
Subsistence farming on small plantations in the part is common. You can meet the many villagers who live on the islands and/or relax on the serene, remote beaches.
What Should I Pack for American Samoa?
Think ahead on what to pack by perusing these suggestions:
- Appropriate Clothing – American Samoa can be hot and humid due to its tropical climate. Be sure to pack for the time of year and the activities you wish to do. Consider items such as sunscreen, water-protective gear, and bathing suits.
- Modest Swimwear – The National Park Service advises travelers to wear modest clothing and swimwear. Many locals wear “lavalava”, which is a skirt-like worn in a variety of styles by both men and women. You can buy a lavalava at many local stores.
- Bug Repellent – With dengue and chikungunya being present in American Samoa, it is important to use repellents.
U.S. Embassy in American Samoa
All Americans visiting American Samoa should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once in American Samoa, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Apia
5th Floor
ACC Building
Matafele Apia, Samoa
Phone: +685 21436+685 21436 / 21631 / 21452 or 22696
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for American Samoa
“I had originally scheduled an appointment with a local doctor, but it turned out that his office didn’t carry all of the necessary vaccinations that I needed for my trip to American Samoa. At first I was upset about it, but after my experience at Passport Health, I considered it a serendipitous stroke of luck! Thank God that I ended up going there for my vaccinations as they took an hour to go over all of the things I needed to keep in mind while in China, thoroughly explained each vaccination and gave me a specially prepared travel book! Passport Health is an absolute must prior to any travel abroad, but make sure that you visit at least a month in advance of departure if you can as some prophylactic treatments take that long to complete.”
“I received short notice that I needed to travel to American Samoa for business. I contacted my Primary Care physician to confirm my immunizations and he referred me to Passport Health. The entire team worked to get me on their schedule and were well equipped, professional, friendly and helpful in getting me ready with the safeguards I needed for my trip abroad. I can’t say enough positive things about the experience. I immediately referred my team members who had upcoming international trips. The fact that I passed it on should speak loudly about my review. Key Likes: booklet made especially for me with all the details about the areas I am traveling to, expertise in requirements, care and tenderness given while administering shots, friendly and engaging staff from the moment you call in to make an appt, high tech web service for information gathering yet simple to use.”
“The RN was extremely knowledgeable, informing me, for example, that Diamox–treatment for altitude sickness–was a sulfa drug that could not be prescribed to me since I am allergic to sulfa. Furthermore, it would be dangerous for me or any of my students to take the medication if available from friends or colleagues. She also prepared a booklet outlining in great detail all vaccines required or suggested for travel to American Samoa. I will send my students to Passport Health in the future!”
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