STATE OF HAWAI ‘ I DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH , IMMUNIZATION BRANCH
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) recommends Human Papillomavirus ( HPV ) vaccination for all preteens at age 11 or 12 . In fall 2020 , new vaccination requirements were implemented for all Hawai ‘ i students entering the 7th grade . In addition to an HPV vaccination , students must provide documentation that they have received Tdap ( tentanus-diptheria-pertusis ) and MCV ( meningococcal conjugate ) vaccinations . The Hawai ‘ i Comprehensive Cancer Coalition ’ s ( HCCC ) Vaccine-Preventable Cancers ( VPC ) Workgroup , of which the UH Cancer Center is an active member , was instrumental in updating the statewide immunization requirements policy ( Hawai ‘ i Administrative Rules Title 11 , Chapter 157 ).
“ HPV vaccination is an important tool for cancer prevention . Widespread vaccination of school-age children will reduce their risk of cancer as adults ,” stated UH Cancer Center researcher Brenda Hernandez , PhD , MPH , VPC member and immediate-past chair , HCCC .
More than 13,200 7th grade students in Hawai ‘ i public and charter schools are affected by this immunization policy . Schools are responsible for students meeting the 2020 immunization requirements , and COVID-19 has not eased these requirements . This policy change will help reduce the number of HPV-associated cancers that could be prevented , thus impacting public health outcomes in our state . Hawai ‘ i is one of only three states , along with Washington , D . C ., that require HPV vaccinations to attend school .
HPV VACCINATION IS AN IMPORTANT TOOL FOR CANCER PREVENTION . WIDESPREAD VACCINATION OF SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN WILL REDUCE THEIR RISK OF CANCER AS ADULTS .”
BRENDA HERNANDEZ , PHD , MPH
BRENDA HERNANDEZ , PHD , MPH
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