Under the public health emergency declaration issued by Governor Lolo Moliga yesterday as a result of the measles virus, all travelers destined for American Samoa that come through Samoa or Tonga, must carry proof of immunization, either an immunization card or a letter from a doctor verifying that they have been immunized.
And this includes travelers from New Zealand, Australia, and any other country who transit through Samoa or Tonga.
That’s the explanation from Director of Health Motusa Tuileama Nua.
He says even if a person is transiting for a short time in Samoa they must carry proof of immunization. 
For residents of American Samoa who travel to Samoa and Tonga he says they also have to carry proof of immunization or a letter from a doctor verifying they have been immunized.
If not they will be quarantined upon their return which means they will be confined at their homes for up to seven days.
The Health Director advises traveling residents, children to adults, to get their MMR shots before they leave. DOH is also administering MMR shots at the airport, but only for travelers.
The weekly voyage of the Lady Naomi which was to arrive this morning has been cancelled.
The Samoa Shipping Corporation issued a notice in Apia that due to prevention of the measles and declaration requested from the Government of American Samoa the trip will be cancelled and postponed to next week.
Director Motusa says DOH receives a weekly shipment of vaccines every Thursday and there are ample supplies on hand.
He says if more supplies are needed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC stands ready to send more.
Motusa said up to now there is no locally sourced measles case. Only the two children from Samoa who arrived here on October 21 and were admitted to the hospital last week.
Public and private schools across the territory are being updated daily with lists of children who have not been immunized and children are being sent home on a daily basis..
The latest measles report from TV1Samoa puts the number of confirmed measles deaths at 6 , and 736 highly suspected cases. There are also 17 measles cases in the Intensive care unit at the national hospital.
