Young People Need a Shot in the Arm to Start 7^th Grade

HONOLULU - Hawaii 6th graders are being asked to update their shot records before summer vacation, in order to meet immunization requirements to start 7th grade. To encourage children to complete their 7th grade student immunization record (or yellow cards) before the last day of class, some schools are offering prizes from local merchants including Hawaiian Island Creations and Subway Restaurants.

Hawaii law requires all students entering 7th grade to have the following vaccinations:

• 3 Hepatitis B
• 2 MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
• 1 or 2 Varicella (Chickenpox)

Students must comply with the school immunization requirements or show documentation that they are in the process of completing the requirements, before they will be allowed to attend school on the first day.

The Department of Health is launching a public service campaign on radio and television, encouraging parents to contact their child’s doctor as soon as possible to get the necessary immunizations and documentation. Parents of children who do not have a doctor should call 211. Information from Aloha United Way 211 is available from all islands, 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

For more information on school immunization requirements, visit http://www.vaxtoschool.com or call the Hawaii Immunization Branch at 586-8323. Neighbor islands may call toll-free at 1-800-933-4832.

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For more information, contact:

Judy Strait-Jones
Public Health Educator, Immunization Branch
Phone: (808) 586-8321
E-mail: jsj@hawaii.rr.com