Brady Collins
As of May 2021, Guam was inviting US citizens to fly to the island to get vaccinated as part of a unique marketing initiative called Air V and V (vaccine and vacation). Under the original plan, only US citizens could get vaccinated in Guam as the vaccines dispensed by the government of Guam come from the federal government and are limited to US citizens. However, it was announced in May 2021 that Johnson & Johnson is selling its COVID-19 vaccines to the private sector, meaning that non-US citizens can also get vaccinated in Guam.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do you need to be vaccinated to fly to Guam? | No |
| Who can get vaccinated in Guam? | Only American citizens under the current rules |
| What vaccines are available in Guam? | Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson |
| Do you need to quarantine in Guam? | Yes, for six days in a government-run hotel quarantine facility |
| Can non-US citizens get vaccinated in Guam? | Possibly, if the vaccines are sold in the private sector |
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What You'll Learn
Guam's 'Air V&V' vaccine tourism plan
Guam, a US territory in the Western Pacific, has launched a unique marketing initiative called "Air V&V" (vaccination and vacation) to attract American expats living in the Asia Pacific region to fly to the island, get vaccinated, and vacation. The plan, spearheaded by former Governor and head of the Guam Visitor's Bureau, Carl Gutierrez, aims to boost the island's tourism industry, which has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the original plan, only US citizens could be vaccinated in Guam as the vaccines were provided by the federal government. However, with Johnson & Johnson selling its COVID-19 vaccines to the private sector, non-US citizens may soon be able to purchase vaccines from clinics or pharmacies on the island. This expands the potential market for Guam's vaccine tourism plan beyond the estimated 250,000 to 300,000 US expatriates in countries like the Philippines, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.
The process for American citizens involves flying into Guam and staying in a government-run hotel quarantine facility for six days. On the last day, travellers take a COVID-19 test, and upon receiving a negative result, they can get a free vaccine. The Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are currently offered. Those receiving Pfizer or Moderna vaccines must remain on the island for about a month to get their second dose, allowing them to explore and experience the island as "real tourists."
While some in Guam's tourism sector welcome the initiative to boost business, others feel conflicted about marketing the island as a vaccine destination during a global pandemic. Critics argue that resources should be shared rather than monetised, especially with countries that are hard hit by COVID-19, such as India. Despite these concerns, the "Air V&V" program has gained traction, with individuals like American businessman Rueben Sushman, a US expat living in Thailand, taking advantage of the opportunity to get vaccinated and vacation in Guam.
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Who can fly into Guam to get vaccinated?
Guam has launched a unique marketing initiative called "Air V&V" (vaccination and vacation) to attract expats and tourists to the island to get vaccinated. Initially, the plan was limited to US citizens as the vaccines dispensed by the government of Guam were sourced from the federal government. Under this plan, American citizens flying into Guam would be placed in a government-run hotel quarantine facility for six days. On the last day, they would take a COVID-19 test, and upon receiving a negative result, they could get a free vaccine.
However, with Johnson & Johnson selling its COVID-19 vaccines to the private sector, the Guam Visitors Bureau's vaccine tourism plan may soon include non-US citizens as well. This means that non-US citizens can come to Guam and pay private clinics or pharmacies for vaccination. The Air V&V program has already attracted US expats from Thailand, and bookings have been made by citizens and foreign visitors from Taiwan. The program has also sparked interest from other countries with low vaccination rates, such as Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.
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Quarantine requirements for travellers
As of May 2021, only American citizens could fly into Guam and get vaccinated. Upon arrival, they were required to quarantine in a government-run hotel facility for six days. On the last day of quarantine, travellers were required to take a COVID-19 test, and if the test was negative, they could get a free vaccine.
The Guam Visitors Bureau's vaccine tourism plan, called "Air V&V", initially targeted American expatriates living and working in the Asia-Pacific region. However, with the introduction of vaccines into the private sector, non-US citizen tourists could also visit Guam and pay private clinics for vaccination or purchase vaccines from pharmacies.
If you are travelling with pets, you must ensure they have the proper health documentation. Your pet must have a certified document showing they have been vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before travel, and they must be fit and healthy to fly. The certificate must be completed and signed by your veterinarian within 10 days of travel. If your pet does not have the proper health documentation, they may be subject to quarantine.
Additionally, some airlines have weight and weather restrictions for pet travel. Make sure to check with your veterinarian and inform the airline in advance if your pet has any special requirements, as this may necessitate extra planning steps.
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The types of vaccines available in Guam
Guam, a US territory in the Western Pacific, launched a unique marketing initiative called "Air V and V" or "Air Vaccine and Vacation" in 2021. The campaign aimed to attract American expats living in the Asia Pacific region to fly to the island to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and enjoy a holiday. However, this initiative was only available to American citizens.
Regarding the types of vaccines available in Guam, here is a list of the vaccines that have been offered or recommended for travellers to Guam:
- COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines were offered to American citizens visiting Guam under the "Air V and V" program. It is also recommended that incoming visitors to Guam be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination.
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine: This vaccine is recommended for all travellers born after 1956, unless blood tests show immunity. Two doses are generally recommended. However, the MMR vaccine should not be given to pregnant or severely immunocompromised individuals.
- Hepatitis vaccines: Vaccination against hepatitis A is commonly recommended for travellers to Guam. Additionally, the hepatitis B vaccine is suggested for all travellers if they have not previously been vaccinated.
- Typhoid fever vaccine: This vaccine is typically advised for individuals travelling to Guam.
It is important to note that the recommended vaccines and health requirements may change over time, so travellers should always check for the latest updates and guidelines from official sources before planning their trip to Guam.
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The cost of getting vaccinated in Guam
The US territory of Guam has launched an 'Air V&V' (vaccine and vacation) programme to attract American expats living in the Asia Pacific region to fly to the island to get vaccinated and take a holiday. Under current rules, only American citizens can fly into Guam and get vaccinated. On arrival, they are provided with free accommodation in a government-run hotel quarantine facility for six days. Travellers must take a COVID-19 test on the last day, and when it comes back negative, they can get a free vaccine. The Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are currently on offer in Guam. However, those who receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines must spend about a month on the island to get their second dose.
While the vaccine is free for citizens of Guam who are children, adults with no insurance, or adults with insurance that qualifies for certain programmes, it will come at a cost for the rest of the community. The cost will depend on the individual's medical insurance company.
The government of Guam has also announced an incentive programme to encourage more residents to get vaccinated. Adults aged 18 and older who have been vaccinated get a chance to win $10,000 each or a brand new car. Other prizes are also offered to 12- to 17-year-olds who get vaccinated, including staycations, restaurant vouchers, MacPros, and GoPros.
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Frequently asked questions
No, but you can choose to fly to Guam to get vaccinated. The Guam Visitors Bureau's vaccine tourism plan, called "Air V&V", markets Guam as a ""vaccination destination".
Initially, the plan was limited to US citizens because the vaccines that the government of Guam dispensed came from the federal government. However, with the introduction of vaccines in the private sector, non-US citizen tourists can now pay private clinics for vaccination or buy vaccines from pharmacies.
Yes, you must quarantine in a government-run hotel facility for six days. On the last day, you must take a COVID-19 test and when it comes back negative, you can get a free vaccine.
