YOUNG PEOPLE NEED A SHOT IN THE ARM TO START 7^TH GRADE

HONOLULU— Hawaii’s 6^th graders are being asked to update their shot records now, in order to meet immunization requirements to start 7^th grade. Spring Break is a great time to do that! To encourage students to complete their 7^th grade student immunization record (or yellow cards) before the end of the current school year, participating schools statewide are offering prizes from local merchants including Hawaiian Island Creations and Subway Restaurants.

State law requires all students entering 7^th grade to have received the following vaccinations:

• 3 Hepatitis B
• 2 MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
• 1 or 2 Varicella (Chickenpox)

Students entering 7^th grade must comply with the school immunization requirements or show documentation that they are in the process of completing the requirements, before they will be allowed to attend school on the first day.

The Department of Health is launching a public service campaign on radio and television, encouraging parents to contact their child’s doctor as soon as possible to receive the necessary immunizations and documentation. Parents of children who do not have a doctor should call

2-1-1. Information from Aloha United Way 2-1-1 is available from all islands, 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

For more information on school immunization requirements, visit http://www.vaxtoschool.com or call the Hawaii Immunization Branch at 586-8323. Neighbor island calls are toll-free at 1-800-933-4832.