The possibility of a measles outbreak in Hawaiʻi has grown more acute as cases continue to rise both mainland and worldwide, while vaccination rates in the state decline. Consequently, the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is implementing measures to avert a potential outbreak.
The DOH is increasing its community outreach to provide more comprehensive information about the risks associated with measles exposure and the benefits of vaccination. The department is also actively encouraging higher vaccination rates.
The goal is to achieve a 95% vaccination rate to maintain herd immunity and prevent outbreaks. Currently, Hawaiʻi's vaccination rate is at 90%, which is slightly lower than Texas's rate of 93%, where a measles outbreak is rapidly expanding.
To address potential risks, the DOH is focusing on schools with lower than average immunization rates, as these are considered high-risk for outbreaks.
In an effort to facilitate increased vaccinations, the DOH has issued a communication to parents and guardians of students in public, private, and charter schools urging them to immunize their children if they are not up-to-date with their measles vaccination.
Additionally, the DOH plans to introduce emergency regulations to eliminate obstacles to measles vaccinations. These rules will allow children with religious exemptions to receive the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine while keeping their exemptions for other vaccines and remaining enrolled in school for the next 120 days.
Dr. Sarah Kemble, a 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."
Schools are asked to keep their vaccination records current, as students without documented MMR vaccination may be prohibited from school attendance if an outbreak occurs.
The DOH is also engaging with schools to organize on-site vaccination clinics. Interested schools and offices can contact the DOH Immunization Branch at 808-586-8300 for more details.
To facilitate access to vaccines, parents and school staff are encouraged to reach out to preferred healthcare providers or local community clinics. Vaccine location assistance is available at https://www.vaccines.gov/en.
Maintaining a high vaccination rate is crucial for protecting not only those vaccinated but also newborns, individuals who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, unvaccinated pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Children are advised to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, at 12–15 months and at 4–6 years old. Adults not at high risk and lacking proof of immunity should have at least one documented dose. Additional vaccine information is available from the CDC website.
For more about measles, visit the DOH's measles page.