Hawaii Immunization Requirements

Updated December 1993

Authority: Education. Schools and Attendance. Generally, Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 298-41 to 52.

General Rule: "No child shall attend any school in the State unless such child presents to the appropriate school official certification from a licensed physician stating that the child has received immunizations against communicable diseases as required by the department of health." HRS § 298-42(a)   Additionally, "no child shall be admitted to any school for the first time" without presenting a certificate that "the child has received a tuberculin test or x-ray" and is free from it in its communicable form. HRS § 298-42(b)

Exceptions: There are two major exemptions, HRT § 298-44:

1) If a doctor certifies that "the physical condition of the child is such that immunizations would endanger his life or health.'

2) If the parent or guardian objects "in writing on the grounds that such immunization conflicts with his bonafide religious tenets and practices. Upon showing the appropriate school official satisfactory evidence of such exemption, no certificate or other evidence of immunization shall be required for entry into school.

Provisional Entrance: A child may enter school provisionally upon showing proof that the process of immunization is proceeding. Certificate of completion of required immunizations must be given no later than three months after the child first entered school. HRT § 298-43.

Epidemic: No exemptions will be recognized if the department of health suspects a danger of epidemic. Quarantine shall be a legal alternative to immunization. HRS § 298-45.

Definitions: School - Any day care center, child care facility, headstart program, preschool, kindergarten, elementary, or secondary school, public or private, including and special school for children in the State." HRS § 298-41.

Certificate: The department of education provides health certificate forms for immunization, which when signed by a doctor are acceptable. HRS § 298-48.