A number of Pacific Islands including Samoa, Tonga and Fiji, are currently suffering a measles outbreak with surrounding islands preparing for the same. Cruisers who left Tonga for American Samoa were denied entry because they did not have documentation showing all the crew’s measles immunization status. They were directed to return to Tonga. This news item has been updated.

Published 5 years ago

Update December 16, 2019:

American Samoa now require 14 days notice of arrival with proof of MMR vaccination regardless of age. See American Samoa Health for full details.

Original News Item November 21, 2019:

A state of emergency was declared in Samoa last Friday legally mandating that all Samoa citizens receive an MMR vaccination and banning children from public gatherings. On Monday schools were closed indefinitely.

The epidemic has claimed the lives of 14 children under-five years old and one adult. 

New Zealand is sending medical staff, vaccines and supplies to Samoa. Surgical face masks are being worn by many as the community responds to the measles epidemic.

Measles outbreaks were also declared in the Kingdom of Tonga on 24 October and in Fiji on 7 November. American Samoa has also had some measles cases. Fortunately, no one here has died from the disease.

Trish Elkins currently cruising in the Pacific reported to Noonsite; “We have just been refused clearance into American Samoa after arriving from Neiafu (Tonga). Because of the measles emergency in Samoa and other Pacific Islands, no-one will be allowed clearance unless they have documentation showing their measles immunisation status. We were not informed of this when leaving Tonga and we have no proof of immunisation. We have been directed to return to Tonga.”

As many cruisers are getting settled in cyclone holes and then planning to fly home, it may pay to ensure you have your measles immunization when back home and hold the certificate for when you return to the Islands, just to be on the safe side. 

It may well be that other Pacific Islands will be demanding the same proof of immunization that American Samoa are currently asking for. When cruising abroad it is recommended to carry all immunization certificates along with the other necessary documents.

UNICEF has delivered vaccines to Tonga, Fiji and Niue, and has worked with the governments of Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Cook Islands, Niue, Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) in how best to carry out their measles immunization campaigns and prepare for an outbreak.

Further Reading:

UNICEF News Note: Pacific Measles Outbreak

Vaccine refusals drive measles emergency in Samoa

Government of Samoa Facebook Page