DOH Encourages Parents of Incoming 7th Graders to Schedule Back-to-School Appointments Now

Hawai‘i state law requires all students receive a physical exam and age-appropriate immunizations before starting seventh grade. Parents of children who have not received a well-child visit and vaccinations within the past year are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider and schedule an appointment.

Before the first day of school, all seventh-grade students “must provide documentation of having received the following vaccines or risk being excluded,” according to the DOH.

• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis vaccine)
• HPV (human papillomavirus vaccine)
• MCV (meningococcal conjugate vaccine)

A physical exam is also required within 12 months before starting seventh grade.

What parents need to do:

• During this visit, the healthcare provider will:
  • Conduct a physical exam and administer immunizations
  • Answer your and your child’s questions about health and wellness
  • Complete the required form
• Submit the completed form to the school your child will attend before the first day of seventh grade

For more information, visit VaxToSchoolHawaii.com.