Hawaii 7^th graders need up-to-date shot records by the first day of school
New TV and radio PSAs to focus on the critical nature of the 7^th grade yellow card

Beginning Monday, June 24, 2002, the Department of Health will remind parents statewide of new immunization requirements for students entering 7^th grade through a 30-second television public service announcement as part of the Department’s Vax to School campaign. Radio stations throughout Hawaii will also begin a campaign in support of the project.

The Department of Health and the Department of Education have been working together to spread the message to families about the new immunization laws for Hawaii students. Besides TV and radio, numerous messages have been displayed on buses, at schools and doctors’ offices, in newsletters and newspapers. Major stores in Hawaii will also soon be distributing flyers to their customers statewide.

Seventh graders cannot begin 7^th grade without an up-to-date shot record. The 7^th grade Student Immunization Record – the 7^th grade yellow card – provides the documentation for entry into school.

Department of Health Educator Gail Ogawa said, "Much has been done – more than 6,100 incoming 7th graders have already turned in their 7th grade yellow cards. Parents are beginning to get the message. However, many more still need to turn in their yellow card in order to attend the upcoming school year. We are hoping that the TV and radio spots will reach the remainder of parents to remind them to turn in their child's yellow card before the first day of school."

By the FIRST DAY OF 7^th grade, all students – both public and private – must show that they have had the following vaccinations:

• 3 Hepatitis B
• 2 MMR (Measles, Mumps, & Rubella)
• 1 or 2 varicella (chickenpox)

A 7^th grade student may attend school on the 1^st day if their school has received the following appropriate documentation:

• A 7^th Grade Student Immunization Record (yellow card), signed or stamped by the student’s doctor, indicating that the student has completed all of the required vaccinations (a documented history of chickenpox disease, signed by the doctor, may be substituted for the chickenpox vaccination)
  
  - or -

• An appointment slip from the doctor, indicating that the student is in the process of completing the required immunizations.
  
  - or -

• A physician note, indicating that the doctor does not currently have a supply of the required vaccine and that the student will be recalled when the vaccine arrives.

Students without one of the above will not be permitted to attend school. As playfully illustrated in the public service announcement, many parents view the 7^th grade yellow card as a "ticket" for school entry. And it is.

There are resources in the community for parents whose 7^th graders still need shots. Parents who do not have a family doctor and/or are uninsured and wish to locate an immunization clinic in their neighborhood, should call Ask Aloha United Way at 275-2000. Neighbor islands may call toll-free at 1-877-275-6569.

For more information about the new school immunization requirements, visit the DOH website at www.VaxToSchool.com or call the Hawaii Immunization Program at 586-8323. Neighbor islands may call toll-free at 1-800-933-4832.

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