DOH Expands Efforts to Prevent Measles Outbreak – What Providers Need to Know
April 5, 2025
📌 Summary:
Measles cases are increasing nationwide, and Hawaiʻi’s MMR vaccination rate has dropped to 90%, below the 95% needed for herd immunity. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is proactively launching public awareness efforts and emergency rules to help prevent a local outbreak.
✅ 8 Must-Knows for Providers
1. Measles Risk is Rising
Cases are spreading globally. Hawai‘i’s MMR rate is at 90%, which is below the 95% herd immunity threshold.
2. Emergency Rule Expands Access
For 120 days, students with religious exemptions can receive the MMR vaccine only, without impacting other exemptions.
3. Local School Data Helps Assess Risk
Click the link below → choose "2023–2024" to see each school’s immunization data:
🖱️ See full list of Hawai‘i schools
Look at “Total Not Up to Date.”
Ex: August Ahrens (Waipahu) – 11.3% not up to date → ~89% immunized
Ewa Elementary – 4% not up to date → ~96% immunized
👉 This helps providers assess outbreak risk by school zone.
4. DOH Outreach to Parents Launched April 2
Letters sent to families encourage MMR vaccination for students who are not fully vaccinated.
5. Schools Can Host MMR Clinics
Schools may host DOH-led clinics. Interested offices/schools should call:
📞 808-586-8300
6. Parents Must Update School Vaccine Records
Students without updated MMR records may be barred from attending school if a measles outbreak occurs.
7. MMR Vaccine Recommendations
Children: 1st dose @ 12–15 months, 2nd @ 4–6 years
Adults: At least 1 dose if no prior immunity
8. How to Access the Vaccine
Contact child's primary care provider or a community clinic
Use the vaccine locator:
🖱️ www.vaccines.gov
📈 For Providers in Hawaiʻi
Use local data, patient ZIP codes, and school affiliations to make personalized vaccine recommendations and protect your pediatric population.
Links:
https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/measles/
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html
