Travel Vaccines and Advice for Micronesia
Micronesia is in the Western Pacific Ocean, north of Papua New Guinea and south of the Marshall Islands. The country is hot and humid all year long and receives a great deal of rain.
Each island is unique, offering visitors different types of activities. The island Chuuk has colorful reefs full of marine life and over 70 sunken Japanese ships for divers to explore. Kosrae is known for its archaeological sites. There are coral walkways between basalt logs in the Lelu ruins. Pohnpei has large stone buildings that are separated by canals and beautiful waterfalls.
Micronesia is the perfect place for visitors who want to be outside and explore.
Do I Need Vaccines for Micronesia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Micronesia. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Micronesia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Micronesia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Micronesia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Dengue and chikungunya are in Micronesia. Take steps to prevent them including using mosquito repellents and netting.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Micronesia
“The woman at passport health was amazing – professional, knowledgeable, caring. She obviously loves what she does and is great at it. I would absolutely recommend this company.”
“The nurse on duty was very professional. Also very knowledgeable about my vaccination needs for Micronesia.”
Do I Need a Visa for Micronesia?
A visa is not required for stays in Micronesia. Your passport must have at least six months validity for entry.
Micronesia Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Micronesia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Micronesia and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Micronesia?
Micronesia has a warm, tropical climate. There are two different seasons: dry and rainy. The rainy season lasts from April to December. Temperatures range are usually around 25 degrees. Typhoons can occur from July to mid-November.
- Weno – Weno is located on Chuuk and is the largest city in the country. The warmest month is October, with temperatures at around 25 degrees. January and February are cooler, but, temperatures only dip a few degrees.
- Tofol – Tofol is located in Lelu Town and is the capital of the state of Kosrae. Weather varies little throughout the year, with an average temperature around 25 degrees. The wettest month is May.
How Safe is Micronesia?
Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing or bag-snatching, is common in Micronesia. Travellers should avoid carrying unnecessary valuables with them. Avoid demonstrations or large gatherings, as they are good opportunities for pick-pocketing. Do not leave valuable items unattended in public areas or in hotel rooms/rental homes.
Sexual assault or assault on visitors does occur in Micronesia, particularly in Chuuk. Only walk in well-lit areas and avoid travelling alone, if possible.
Be sure to have the number of the local police and embassy to call in case of emergency.
Visiting Yap: the Island of Stone Money
Yap is known for having large, round “coins” around the island. They are made of stone with a hole in the middle and range in size from 3.5 centimetres to 4 metres. The coins can and are actually used in transactions, such as during land sales or marriages. But, some of the larger stones are never moved.
The island was settled by migrants from the Asian mainland. The people are very proud of their history. Men still navigate by the stars and make decisions while chewing on betel nuts. In March, you can see the island celebrate their history and culture through song, dance, and dress. Women don colorful grass skirts and men red loincloths to sing and dance.
Visitors can stay in one of the beautiful resorts. Many of them also cater to diving, meaning you can see the beautiful ocean and mangroves. Some have floating restaurants, heated pools, or dining facilities on old ships.
What Should I Take to Micronesia?
Micronesia is a popular destination. Make sure you pack these key items for your trip.
- Cash – Bring cash to pay departure fees, as credit cards are not accepted. ATM’s are not readily available.
- Light Clothing – it is very hot and humid in Micronesia. You will be most comfortable in light, flowy clothing.
- Swimsuit – Micronesia is an island country so bring a swimsuit or two to enjoy the warm water.
- Umbrella – Micronesia can get a fair amount of rain. Bring an umbrella or rain jacket to keep yourself dry during a downpour.
Canadian Embassy to Micronesia
There is no resident Canadian government office in the Federated States of Micronesia. You can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Embassy of Australia.
Canadian Embassy Kolonia
1H and E Building, 2nd Floor,
Kolonia, Pohnpei, Micronesia
Tel.: 691 320 5448
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Micronesia?
Do I Need a Visa for Micronesia?
What is the Climate Like in Micronesia?
How Safe is Micronesia?
Visiting Yap: the Island of Stone Money
What Should I Take to Micronesia?
Canadian Embassy to Micronesia
