American Samoa: Travel Vaccines & Health Advice
These are some of the major health risks and vaccinations that you’ll need to consider for a trip to American Samoa.
We stock most required vaccines on-site. You should ideally see us 4-6 weeks before your trip.
Recommended vaccinations:
Highly recommended. Hepatitis A is a viral disease that affects the liver. You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in this country, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
Immunisation is the best protection against hepatitis A infection and is recommended for travel to this area. It involves either 2 doses of hepatitis A vaccine, or 3 doses of the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines given as a combination.
Safe food and water practices are the basis of prevention, but vaccination is also recommended for travel to this area. Immunity post-vaccination lasts for 2-3 years.
Some travellers may require:
Routine vaccinations
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip, such as:
- measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
- diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine
- varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
- influenza vaccine
Other health considerations for travellers to American Samoa
Dengue
Dengue fever is an infection transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. There is no vaccine to prevent infection, so you should protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times in dengue areas.
Ciguatera fish poisoning
Ciguatera is a poisoning resulting from eating certain fish in particular regions in the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and the Caribbean. Mackerel caught around mid-October in Australia are a classic cause of this condition.
Lymphatic filariasis
Lymphatic filariasis or elephantiasis is a tropical disease caused by parasitic worms spread by infected mosquitoes. Although most cases are symptomless, the disease can occasionally cause severe swelling in the legs, arms and genitals.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a disease caused by infection with the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis can damage a person’s lungs or other parts of the body and cause serious illness.
- Avoid exposure to people who have active tuberculosis.
- Only consume pasteurized milk products.
- Travellers at higher risk should be tested for tuberculosis upon their return home.
- There is a vaccine available which confers partial protection. Speak to your doctor to determine if this is recommended.
Zika
Zika virus is a mild febrile illness, spread via the bite of an infected mosquito or by having sex with an infected person. Studies have shown that Zika virus infection in a pregnant woman can be transmitted to the baby, causing congenital problems such as microcephaly.
The best way to prevent Zika is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Pregnant women should consider deferring travel to high risk countries
This information is intended as a guide only and is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Recommendations on vaccinations and medications require assessment on an individual basis, taking into account factors such as your medical history, itinerary, length of stay and style of travel.
