HONOLULU (KHON2) — We’re just days away from August, which is National Immunization Awareness Month, a time to get on track with routine vaccinations. It’s also the time when keiki are headed back to school and should be updated with their shots.
For preschool or kindergarten students, parents are recommended to get:
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
- IPV (Polio)
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Varicella
For 11 to 12-year-olds in middle school, parents are recommended to get:
- Meningococcal vaccine
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
- TDaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
“Call your doctor’s office to make sure your kid is staying up to date on their annual physicals and staying up to date on their immunizations. If you have any school forms that need to be completed, please bring those to the appointment,” said Dr. Tashya Whitehead, a pediatrician at the Queen’s Health Systems. “If you are new to the practice or a new patient, make sure you’re bringing your child’s immunization record to that first visit.”
Another measure to protect your keiki are vaccines for the flu and COVID.
“All kids six months and older are eligible to get their flu and COVID vaccines. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends an annual flu and COVID vaccine for everyone to provide updated protection in the upcoming cold and flu season,” Dr. Whitehead said.
She added that another way to protect keiki is to keep them home when they aren’t feeling well.
“If your keiki is sick, especially if they have a fever, please keep them home to protect others and to minimize the spread of germs,” Dr. Whitehead said. “If you ever have any questions about your child’s health, their growth, or their development, please make sure you’re reaching out to your doctor so we can discuss these concerns.”
For the Hawaii Department of Education school requirements, click here.