Travel Vaccines and Advice for Guam
Guam is the largest and most populated of the Mariana Islands. Over a million visitors travel to Guam every year and enjoy the duty-free port.
The territory was claimed by Spain in 1565, but was not conquered until the late 17th century. Possession was transitioned to the U.S. after the Spanish-American War.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Guam?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Guam
What Is the Climate Like in Guam?
How Safe Is Guam?
Tumon Bay
What Should I Pack for Guam?
Do I Need Vaccines for Guam?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Guam. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Guam: 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 –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - 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 Guam |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| 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 Guam |
||
| 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, a bacterial infection, is primarily transmitted through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with infected people. Vaccination is a key preventive measure, recommended for travelers to endemic regions and those at risk due to occupation.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Protect yourself by getting vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine and maintaining proper hygiene. Vaccination is a critical step in preventing this contagious liver infection, according to health authorities.
- Rabies – Preventing rabies involves avoiding contact with infected animals and ensuring timely vaccination. The rabies vaccine is a critical tool, offering protection through post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and preemptive vaccination for high-risk individuals like travelers.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B virus causes liver infection, spreading through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention measures include safe practices and, notably, hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine effectively triggers the immune system to produce antibodies, offering reliable, long-term protection against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are contagious diseases transmitted via respiratory droplets and touch. Preventing these illnesses is primarily achieved through vaccination, using the MMR vaccine. It’s administered in two doses and provides immunity against all three viruses.
Dengue is present on Guam. Be sure to bring and use insect repellent. Netting may also be recommended.
As a relatively developed area, Guam has few disease risks. Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date and you have the medications you need.
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 Guam
Prevent Bug Bites in Guam
Prevent bug bites by wearing long clothing and using EPA-registered insect repellents like DEET or picaridin. Be mindful of bug-prone hours and secure your sleeping space with nets and screens. If bitten, clean the affected area, avoid scratching, and consider over-the-counter treatments, while promptly seeking medical attention for severe symptoms.
Food and Water Safety in Guam
When abroad, prioritize food safety by adhering to CDC guidelines: opt for fully cooked dishes, steer clear of raw seafood, and choose eateries with good hygiene practices. Stick to bottled beverages, be cautious with ice, and drink alcohol responsibly. Prevent travelers’ diarrhea through vigilant hand hygiene and avoiding unsanitary street food.
Infections To Be Aware of in Guam
- Dengue – Aedes mosquitoes spread dengue to millions globally, prevention is the best defense. The disease can strike multiple times due to its four strains, underscoring the need for mosquito bite prevention like netting and repellents.
What Is the Climate Like in Guam?
Guam has a warm, tropical climate with consistent temperatures and Eastern trade winds year-round.
The average temperature is in the 80’s. Monthly averages are not very different, varying only by a few degrees. Temperatures go into the 90’s or lower than the 70’s.
The territory has a wet season called “fanuchanan” from July until November. A dry season called “fanumnangan” lasts from December to June. Most of the rain falls between July and October. Rain amounts can change greatly.
Though typhoons can happen during any month, the season is from July to November. It is not common for strong typhoons to reach Guam as it is too far West. Small storms do occur often and at any time.
How Safe Is Guam?
Guam is a very safe travel destination. The main thing to be careful of is wildlife. Here are some helpful tips to keep you safe:
Watch out for sea creatures when swimming – do not try to touch or take any animals you may find. Sea urchins in particular can be dangerous with their sharp spikes. Be mindful of currents when swimming. Check the weather reports before enjoying swimming or water sports.
Be wary of certain animals on land. For example, keep away from snakes in case they are poisonous, and do not interact with wild boars. Remember to be extra careful at night.
Some crime does occur in Guam. Keep your wits about you and do not leave valuables unattended.
Heed warnings during storms or typhoons.
Tumon Bay
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
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Tumon Bay in Guam is a popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches, clear waters and lots to do. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and rent equipment to snorkel or dive to see colorful fish and coral reefs. The area offers water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking and paddleboarding.
For those who prefer to stay on land, there are many shopping centers, restaurants and bars. At night, visitors can enjoy live music, dancing and entertainment in the area’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Tumon Bay is a fun place to visit for people who enjoy outdoor activities and water sports. There are many things to do and see, including swimming, snorkeling, shopping and dining. Whether you want to relax on the beach or try something new, Tumon Bay is a great destination to consider when visiting Guam.
What Should I Pack for Guam?
Think ahead on what to pack by perusing these suggestions:
- Rain Gear – Weather can vary on Guam. Make sure you have proper rain gear for your trip.
- First-Aid Kit – While Guam is a U.S. territory, it is best to be prepared. Make sure to bring at least a simple first-aid kit with you on your trip.
- Insect Repellent – Mosquitoes are just some of the insects on Guam. Avoid them as best you can with quality bug spray.
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Guam
Overall rating: 5 stars – 2 reviews
★★★★★
“Great service“
“I had to get shots for my trip to Guam. The nurse was a wealth of knowledge and answered all my questions. She was also very gentle with all the shots I needed to get!”
Submitted by: Laurie
★★★★★
“Quick and Thorough“
“I had a series of shots for travel to Guam and the representatives were very informative and the follow up appointments were quick. Will definitely use Passport Health again if needed.”
Submitted by: Linda
“I had to get shots for my trip to Guam. The nurse was a wealth of knowledge and answered all my questions. She was also very gentle with all the shots I needed to get!”
“I had a series of shots for travel to Guam and the representatives were very informative and the follow up appointments were quick. Will definitely use Passport Health again if needed.”
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