Immunizations, physical exams required for students

HONOLULU — With the easing of COVID-19 “Safer-at-Home” restrictions, it is more important than ever to ensure every child’s immunizations and physical examination are up to date, said state Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson.

Avoiding check-ups and missing vaccines can put a child at risk for preventable diseases such as measles and whooping cough and could delay a child’s return to school if health requirements are not met.

Health-care provider offices are open and measures are in place to ensure every child’s safety. Parents are urged to call their child’s health-care provider soon to schedule an appointment and discuss any concerns.

“School health requirements protect not only the health of our students but their families and our communities as well,” said Anderson.

“In light of the current pandemic, it is critically important to ensure our keiki are immunized to protect them against diseases that can be prevented with vaccines.”

All students entering schools and child-care facilities in Hawai‘i for the first time must meet the state’s immunization, physical-exam and tuberculosis-screening requirements.

In addition, before the first day of school, all seventh-grade students must provide documentation of having received a physical examination and the following vaccinations: Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis vaccine), HPV (human papillomavirus vaccine) and MCV (meningococcal conjugate vaccine).

Immunizations are also required for students attending colleges and universities in Hawai‘i.

Parents whose children are behind on their immunizations and physical exams are encouraged to contact their health-care provider as soon as possible. To help ensure students are healthy, protected from serious diseases and are ready to return to school, adults are urged to schedule appointments without delay. For more information: vaxtoschoolhawaii.com.