The American Samoa Department of Health is now requiring measles vaccines to be carried out at least 14 days before travellers are granted entry to the American territory. 

The U.S. territory has previously stated that it requires proof of immunisation for travelers from Ministry of Health. 

According to a statement issued by the Department of Health Director Motusa Tuilaeama Nua travelers must show evidence of measles vaccination 14 days prior to arrival date. 

“Accompanying documents: vaccination record showing: (Name, sex, Village, date of dose administration, site of injection, signature of provider administering the dose, signature of individual receiving the dose)," he said. 

“This will be accompanied by the form from MOH with red stamp, signed by Dr. Naseri or Dr. Thompsen. Otherwise you will be denied entry and returned back.

“American Samoa Returning Residents: Must present immunization record with M.M.R. [Measles, Mumps and Rubella] completed or letter from Physician listing all vaccines received including M.M.R.. If not, they will be subject to quarantine process at their homes 7 to 14 days.” 

The Washington Post reported the US Centre for Disease Control (C.D.C.) and Prevention is immediately sending experts in response to a request from the Samoan government for assistance with a measles outbreak where 3,728 people are affected and killed 53, mostly children.

The C.D.C. is providing technical assistance with tracking and monitoring of cases and vaccination campaigns, according to Robert Linkins, a C.D.C. expert on global immunization. Two C.D.C. experts are expected to be on the ground shortly, U.S. officials said.