Parents will hear a lot about Vax to School starting tomorrow, which means students must have up-to-date vaccinations to enter seventh grade in the fall. Seventh-graders
need vaccinationsIsle kids must have up-to-date
vaccines before attending
the first day of schoolStar-Bulletin staff
Gail Ogawa, Department of Health educator, said more than 6,100 incoming seventh graders have turned in yellow immunization cards for school entry but many more haven't.
All public and private seventh graders on the first day of school must show they have had three shots for hepatitis B, two for measles, mumps and rubella and one or two for varicella (chickenpox).
Students may attend seventh grade on the first day under these conditions:
>> If the school has received a student immunization record or yellow card signed or stamped by the student's doctor indicating all required vaccinations have been completed. A documented history of chickenpox signed by the doctor may be submitted in place of the chickenpox vaccination.Students without any of those items won't be allowed to attend school.>> If the student has an appointment slip from a doctor indicating the immunizations are being done.
>> If the doctor writes a note indicating a shortage of the required vaccine and saying the student will be called when the vaccine arrives.
Parents of seventh graders who don't have a family doctor or who are uninsured and want to locate an immunization clinic should call Ask Aloha United Way at 275-2000. Neighbor islanders may call 1-877-275-6569 toll-free.
The state departments of Health and Education are working together to remind parents statewide of the immunization requirements through an informational campaign starting tomorrow.
For more information, see www.VaxToSchool.com or call the Hawaii Immunization Program, 586-8323. Neighbor islands may call toll-free at 1-800-933-4832.
State Department of Education
