American Samoans have to comply with the strict health guidelines set by the Government of Samoa when entering the country as the nation tries to prevent measles from coming in.
The neighbouring country has confirmed several cases of measles.
A notice signed by the Director General of Health, Aiono Prof. Alec Ekeroma, serves to inform of the need for vigilance at Samoa’s international borders following the ongoing emergence of several infectious diseases especially the measles outbreak in American Samoa.
“The Ministry of Health pursuant to section 29 of the Health Ordinance 1959 hereby strongly advises that with the outbreak of Measles in American Samoa, ALL travelers from the territory (including infants aged 6 months and above) are required to be vaccinated with a Measles containing vaccine before entering Samoa,” the notice reads.
“For children below two years of age, must comply with the following: Infants aged six months to 15 months (Single dose); 15 months to 24 months (Complete required 2 doses).
“A legitimate vaccine certificate/note is required before boarding a hard copy must be presented both at check-in and upon arrival into Samoa for sighting.”
For travelers planning to use vaccine certificates in electronic forms stored on phones or other electronic devices, the Ministry advises that they must have a QR code.
The Ministry also emphasises that being fully vaccinated indicates having completed the required prescribed doses as per vaccine used.
All passengers are obliged to have completed two weeks (14 days) post vaccination prior to travel and the vaccine certificate/note must be a Health Authority Approved Certificate/Card of country where vaccination took place.
Failure to do so or provide legitimate vaccination certificate and meet the required conditions will result to denied entry into Samoa.
Upon arrival into Samoa and pursuant to section 29 of the Health Ordinance 1959: All passengers are required to wear face masks at all times and are strongly encouraged to take precautionary and preventative measures within the first seven days of arrival; Passengers must submit to a Nasal pharyngeal Swab for PCR testing upon request by Health Officials at the Airport; Do not travel if you feel unwell.
If you are experiencing any signs and symptoms of measles include fever, dry cough, redness or swelling in eyes or eyelids or watery eyes; sensitivity to light; runny nose, sneezing, reddish-brown rash that starts from the head and spreads throughout the whole body; feeling of tiredness and body aches, and loss of appetite indicate to our port health health staff or seek medical attention immediately; Inform the Healthcare worker (Doctor, Nurse etc) of your recent travel history.
“Travelers and crew entering Samoa must comply with all requirements stipulated in the travel advice.
“The compliance of all travelers with the conditions listed is imperative in ensuring the safety of all travellers and your families in Samoa.
“The Ministry of Health appreciates your full cooperation and patience as we work together in preventing the spread of and minimising the impact of communicable diseases in Samoa. We pray for your safe travel to Samoa”
