American Samoa's Health Department is stepping up requirements for proof of immunisation for travellers from Samoa entering the territory.
MMR vaccinations underway in American Samoa. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Monica Miller
As the Mumps Measles and Rubella vaccine takes 14 days to build up one's immunity to measles, the Department is now requiring vaccinations to have been carried out at least 14 days before travel.
Epidemiologist Dr Aifili John Tufa said they were seeing many travellers getting their shots - just before they travel and that was not enough time for the vaccination to build up immunity.
Dr Tufa said the new protocol was being sent to Samoa's Ministry of Health.
The 14 day vaccination before travel was also being recommended for local residents travelling to Samoa, New Zealand, Tonga and other countries with measles outbreaks.
The MMR vaccination campaign is continuing at the Fagaalu and Tafuna clinics from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to noon on Saturdays.