American Samoa Reopens Early Childhood Education Schools and Daycare Facilities

American Samoa’s governor, has decided to reopen early childhood education schools and daycare facilities due to increased measles vaccination coverage. This decision was made through a new amendment to the Measles Emergency Declaration, which was initially issued last month. The amendment states that all public and private early childhood education schools and daycare centres will resume operations starting Tuesday, 16 May 2023, American Samoa time. To ensure the safety of everyone involved, it is required that all students, teachers, support staff, and childcare employees attending in-person learning and childcare facilities be fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.

Moreover, elementary schools, high schools, and colleges in the region had already reopened on May 1, 2023. However, it is mandatory for students, faculty, and support workers to be fully vaccinated. In case the need arises, schools will implement online or distance learning. It is essential for all authorities, departments, and offices to assist the Department of Education in ensuring that students have access to online or distance learning when necessary.

According to the amended declaration, vaccination coverage has shown improvement, reaching 97.4% in elementary schools, 98.1% in high schools, 89.4% in early childhood education, and 56.5% in daycare centres. The declaration also indicates that 98.9% of those in early childhood education have received their first vaccine dose, while 91.7% of those in daycare centres have received their first dose.

Approximately 2000 vaccine doses have been administered during the measles outbreak. The amended declaration will remain in effect until May 24. Epidemiologist Scott Anesi reported that the number of probable measles cases has risen from 58 to 60, while the number of laboratory-confirmed cases remains at two. The territory is awaiting blood test results from Hawaii. Meanwhile, health officials continue their measles vaccination campaign, focusing on individuals who have not received two vaccine doses.