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.
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: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - 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. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - 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. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for American Samoa |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| 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. |
Routine Vaccinations for American Samoa |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| 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. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
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.
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!”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for 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
US – English
CA – English
UK – English
Rest of World – English
