Immunizations are required for students entering childcare or preschool, kindergarten, 7th grade, and post-secondary schools, and all students entering school in Hawaii for the first time, regardless of age. The updated immunization requirements conform with current national recommendations and reflect what occurs in healthcare provider offices and clinics in Hawaii as standard medical practice.
Hawai‘i State Law for Childcare Facility and School Attendance
Hawai‘i State Law requires all students to meet physical examination, immunization, and tuberculosis clearance requirements before they may attend a childcare facility, preschool, or public/private school in the State. See Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 11, Chapter 157.
School Health Requirements
1. Physical Examination:
Must be completed within one year before:
- First date of attendance at a childcare facility, preschool, or school in Hawai‘i; and
- First date of attendance in the seventh grade.
Must be performed by a U.S. licensed physician, APRN or PA.
2. Immunizations:
- Immunizations are required for all students (new, returning, and out of state) entering childcare or preschool, kindergarten, and 7th Grade. Required immunizations depend on the age of the child (childcare or preschool) or grade of the student.
- Students entering the 7th Grade have an additional 3 required immunizations.
- All immunizations must meet minimum age and interval requirements between vaccine doses.
Immunization Requirements:
| Childcare or Preschool | Kindergarten – Grade 12 | Grade 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP) | Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP) | Human Papillomavirus (HPV) |
| Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) | Hepatitis A (Hep A) | Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV) |
| Hepatitis A (Hep A) | Hepatitis B (Hep B) | Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) |
| Hepatitis B (Hep B) | Human Papillomavirus (HPV)* | |
| Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) | Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV)* | |
| Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) | Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) | |
| Polio (IPV) | Polio (IPV) | |
| Varicella (chickenpox) | Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)* | |
| Varicella (chickenpox) | ||
| *All students entering school in Hawaii for the first time in 7th grade or higher must show evidence of receiving these immunizations prior to school attendance. | ||
Resources for Immunization Requirements:
- Childcare Facility, Preschool, and Kindergarten – Grade 12: Important Notice to Parents
- Post-Secondary Schools: Important Notice to Students
- Immunization Requirements Summary – PDF (includes number of doses required and minimum spacing between doses)
3. Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance:
For information regarding TB clearance requirements for school attendance, talk to your child’s healthcare provider or call the DOH Tuberculosis Control Branch at (808) 832-5731 or visit their website.