The State Department of Health has noted a decline in people going in to the doctor for regular checkups and immunizations, and that includes parents delaying having their children get their standard vaccinations, because of changed doctor schedules and concerns about going to the doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthcare providers are open, and although many continue to offer “tele-health”, phone or video visits, they are also open for in-office visits.  The DOH notes that avoiding check-ups and missing vaccines can put a child at risk for preventable diseases such as measles and whooping cough and could delay a child’s return to school if health requirements are not met.

Parents are urged to call their child’s healthcare provider today to schedule an appointment and discuss any concerns.

All students entering schools and child care facilities in Hawai‘i for the first time must meet the state’s immunization, physical exam, and tuberculosis screening requirements. In addition, before the first day of school, all seventh-grade students must provide documentation of having received a physical examination and vaccinations for Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough)), HPV (human papillomavirus, which  can lead to cancer or other issues), and MCV (protects against the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease, and protects your child from infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, as well as bloodstream infections). Immunizations are also required for students attending colleges and universities in Hawai‘i.

For more information:

https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/vaccines-immunizations/school-health-requirements/sy-20-21/