Travel Vaccines and Advice for Wake Island
Wake Island is an unorganized and unincorporated territory of the United States. This small coral atoll in the Pacific Ocean is a restricted area, with only military personnel and scientists allowed on the island.
It is administered by the U.S. Air Force and is often used as a military refueling spot of aircrafts. There are no permanent residents on Wake Island. But, there are usually about 100 military personnel living on the island at any given time.
Every once in a while there is a day trip from Military Historical Tours that can visit the island.
Do I Need Vaccines for Wake Island?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Wake Island. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Wake Island: 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 Wake Island |
||
| 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 Wake Island |
||
| 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. |
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or start booking online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Wake Island?
It is not easy to get access to Wake Island. Entry into Wake Island is heavily restricted. It is not open to visitors and only allows military personnel or members of the U.S. Wildlife and Fish Services.
What Is the Climate Like on Wake Island?
Wake Island has a tropical climate and two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season runs from December to April. The rainy season runs from July and October. Average temperatures range from the mid-70’s to high-80’s.
Beware of going to Wake Island during typhoon season (July-November) as they can cause significant damage.
How Safe is Wake Island?
Due to the restricted nature of Wake Island, there is no crime.
There are sharks that swim in the waters of Wake Island. Be careful and be aware of your surroundings while you’re swimming.
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime if a crime should be committed against you.
Military Historical Tours On Wake Island
Once again, tourists are not permitted on Wake Island. There are Military Historical Tours that take day trips to the island.
Even then, there is a criteria on who may visit. People must be donors of the Pacific Aviation Museum, be a U.S. Citizen, or they can be WWII veterans, POWs, and their families.
What Should I Take To Wake Island?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to the Wake Island:
- Umbrella or rain jacket during rainy months
- Lightweight clothing that can be layered if necessary
- Swimsuit for swimming in the lagoons and ocean
U.S. Embassy on Wake Island
All Americans visiting Tokelau 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.
Wake Island is a U.S. Territory, no consulate or embassy is present.
If you have any questions about traveling to Wake Island or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Wake Island?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Wake Island?
What Is the Climate Like on Wake Island?
How Safe is Wake Island?
Military Historical Tours On Wake Island
What Should I Take To Wake Island?
U.S. Embassy on Wake Island
