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.
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: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- 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 seperately. 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 Guam |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Guam |
||
| 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 seperately. 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. |
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.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health Travel Vaccines for Guam
“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.”
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Guam?
You do not need a visa to travel to Guam. A valid passport is required for entry. In certain cases you may only need general proof of citizenship and a valid photo ID card.
Guam Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Guam? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Guam and U.S. State Department
For more information contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What is the Climate Like in Guam?
Guam has a warm, tropical climate with consistent temperatures and Eastern tradewinds 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.
Experience the Culture of Guam with GIFT
If you want to get a taste of Guam’s culture, GIFT, or the Guam Island Fiesta Tour, is an absolute must.
It is an experience curated by locals where visitors are welcomed into homes of local families. Shell leis await travelers as well as cultural activities like coconut husking, talaya (cast net) throwing and tuba (fermented coconut juice) drinking.
The fiesta occurs every month, and visitors are welcomed with loving arms.
If you want to specially enjoy the cuisine element to the fiestas, you can try things like the Fiesta Plate Tour. Visit local Guamanian food vendors with a group of guests and a guide. You’ll learn all about various local dishes native to 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!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Guam?
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Guam?
What is the Climate Like in Guam?
How Safe is Guam?
Experience the Culture of Guam with GIFT
What Should I Pack for Guam?
