Vaccinations and Advice for Samoa
Samoa’s closest neighbors are Australia, New Zealand, and the American state of Hawaii.
The channel of islands were discovered and settled just 3,500 years ago. The Lapita people wasted no time in created a unique language and culture all their own. In those hundreds of years, the fa’a Samoa culture has not wavered even after European influence.
This dense culture is one of the many things that draws visitors to its shores. It’s shores, in fact, are another thing that pull people in. Samoa’s many beaches and cultural experiences provide a balanced trip for all.
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Samoa |
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VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
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Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
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. |
Cholera | Food & Water | A risk in some regions. Especially recommended for those visiting rural areas. |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Polio | Food & Water | Proof of vaccination required for stays over 4 weeks. Active infection in some parts of country. Cases reported in last 12 months. |
Routine Vaccinations for Samoa |
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VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
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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. |