American Samoa Children Need Dengue Vaccination

According to a recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, more than half of school-aged children in American Samoa have evidence of a dengue fever virus infection. 

The estimated seroprevalence among all students aged 7–16 years was 59% (95% CI = 47%–71%) and was 60% (95% CI = 48%–72%) among those age-eligible for vaccination (i.e., those aged 9–16 years).

Dengue seroprevalence was lowest among children aged 8 (46%; 95% CI = 32%–60%).

The U.S. CDC's Notes from the Field (73(31);686–688) published on August 8, 2024, suggests American Samoa exceeds the minimum 20% threshold established for the introduction of recommended dengue vaccines to reduce the risk of hospitalization and severe dengue in seronegative children and adolescents.

The authors concluded, "In American Samoa, dengue vaccines could be part of a broader strategy for dengue control."

As of August 13, 2024, access to dengue vaccines in the United States is very limited.

American Samoa is located in the Pacific Ocean, halfway between Hawaii in the north and New Zealand in the south. The CDC recommends checking the vaccines and medicines list and visiting your healthcare provider at least a month before your trip to American Samoa to get necessary supplies. 

These authors disclosed no potential conflicts of interest.