The Department of Health has moved to tighten its proof of immunization requirements for arriving travelers and also local residents traveling to countries that have measles outbreaks.
DOH now has to give clearance before entry permits are issued to some travelers and is banning entry of children 0-4 years old and pregnant women from measles infected areas.
It will also prohibit travel of children 0-4 years and pregnant women from the territory to those countries.
In addition anyone from American Samoa traveling to measles infected countries will not be allowed to leave unless they were immunized for measles 14 days prior.
Whereas before those born in 1957 and prior years were exempt from the proof of immunization rule based on the theory that they have immunity against measles, now DOH is requiring everyone to show proof of MMR immunization regardless of age or they will be refused entry.
Director of Health Motusa Tuileama Nua says the tighter requirements are in response to the growing number of measles fatalities in Samoa.
He has indicated that they are assessing closing the borders with Samoa and a meeting between the DOH and LBJ Hospital personnel this morning will come up with a recommendation to be provided to the governor on this issue..
For residents, US nationals, US citizens and non residents of American Samoa traveling to areas with measles outbreaks (Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, NZ and Australia,) they must receive an MMR shot 14 days befroe they travel. If they travel less than 14 days from the date they received their shot they will not be allowed to leave American Samoa.
This rule applies to all travelers 5 years and older.
DOH also requires that t the traveler must have been immunized 14 days prior or they will not be allowed back their trip. Further children 0-4 years and pregnant women will not be allowed to travel to measles infected areas.
Adults with no evidence of immunity against measles must receive an MMR shot 14 days before arriving in American Samoa, after their travel or they will be denied entry.
All inbound travelers 5 years and older from those countries with measles outbreaks. must show evidence they received MMR vaccination 14 days prior to arrival date.
The official vaccination record must identify their name, sex, village, date of dose administration, site of inspection, signature of provider administering the dose and signature of individual receiving the dose.
For Samoan citizens the vaccination record must be accompanied by the official Samoa Ministry of Health form with red stamp signed by Dr. Naseri or Dr. Thompsen. Otherwise the traveler will be denied entry.
Children 0-4 years and pregnant women travelers from measles infected countries will not be allowed entry into American Samoa.
Whereas local residents were able to get MMR shots at the airport, DOH has announced that there will be no more MMR vaccinations at the airport. Shots are administered at Fagaalu and Tafuna Community Health Center only.
DOH now has to review entry permits for travelers from the same countries for proof of immunization. Only after DOH gives approval will Immigration issue an entry permit. DOH is limiting only one traveler per sponsor. This means a sponsor cannot bring in more than one person like before.
Health Director Motusa says they are limiting the number of clearances that will be issued for entry permits.
Yesterday only 16 were issued and according to the director if the measles death toll in Samoa goes up, the number of DOH clearances for entry permits will go down.
He said, “ We are trying to discourage travel as much as possible until the measles epidemic in Samoa is under control.”
