#tdap

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health continues to respond to a rise in pertussis (whooping cough) cases statewide. As of July 31, 2025, DOH has identified 203 cases of pertussis – more than double the 84 cases identified in all of 2024. 

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.