The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is implementing strategic measures to avert a potential measles outbreak as the threat of the disease heightens in the state. This move comes amid a decrease in Hawaiʻi’s measles vaccination rate, contrasted with the spread of measles across the mainland and globally.
The DOH has extended efforts to disseminate information regarding the heightened exposure to measles and its complications, alongside promoting the safety and efficacy of the measles vaccine. Efforts are underway to boost vaccination numbers with the aim of reaching a protective threshold.
A 95% population vaccination rate is deemed necessary to prevent an outbreak through 'herd immunity.' However, Hawaiʻi’s vaccination rate is currently at 90%, while Texas, grappling with a measles surge, stands at 93%. Local vaccination rates differ from school to school, with outbreaks more likely in institutions with lower immunization levels.
To counter the situation, the DOH is addressing obstacles that inhibit vaccination uptake. Recently, a communiqué was sent to parents of K-12 students across public, private, and charter schools urging parents to vaccinate children not yet fully vaccinated against measles. This letter also heralds forthcoming emergency rules set to ease restrictions for children eligible for religious exemptions. Under these rules, such children can receive the MMR vaccine while maintaining their exemption status for other vaccinations; the said rules will be valid for 120 days.
Dr. Sarah Kemble, pediatrician and state epidemiologist, stated, “Measles is a very serious, sometimes fatal disease for children. At the rate it’s spreading, it could easily reach Hawaiʻi on the next plane. The MMR vaccine is our best defense against the measles virus. The emergency rules will remove a potential barrier for families choosing to protect their children with the MMR vaccine.”
Parents are encouraged to update their child’s vaccination records to maintain accurate school data. In the event of an outbreak, students without MMR vaccination records may face school attendance restrictions.
Further interaction with schools will gauge interest in hosting on-site vaccination clinics. Schools interested in organizing clinics can connect with the DOH Immunization Branch at 808-586-8300.
Vaccine access can be facilitated via the online locator at https://www.vaccines.gov/en/.