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The Hawai‘i Department of Health is investigating two confirmed cases of pertussis (also known as whooping cough) and identified eight probable cases in two separate households without travel-related exposures on Hawaiʻi Island. Both households have school-age children that attend local schools but are in geographically distinct areas of the island. Currently, no one is hospitalized. 

Hawai‘i state law requires all students receive a physical exam and age-appropriate immunizations before starting seventh grade.

A new statewide campaign is encouraging parents to have their middle-schoolers vaccinated.

Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, additional immunizations will be required for students entering preschool, kindergarten through grade 12, and colleges/universities in Hawai‘i.

A bill aimed at improving access to all recommended vaccines for Medicare beneficiaries, was introduced earlier this month.