DOH Urges Parents Of Seventh Graders To Schedule Well-Child Visits

Children undergo significant changes when they approach adolescence, such as physical, emotional, and social changes.

To prepare incoming seventh-grade students, the Hawaii Department of Health is encouraging parents of seventh-grade students to schedule a well-child visit as soon as possible.

A well-child visit includes a comprehensive physical exam that will ensure the child’s health and well-being are prepared for the transition from elementary to middle school.

The child’s immunization will be reviewed to stay updated with the vaccines needed to stay healthy and protect children from serious diseases.

Many children have not received vaccines since kindergarten, which means some of the protection they had when they started school has declined.

Moreover, incoming seventh-grade students are now old enough to receive additional vaccines to prevent them from other serious illnesses.

The Hawaii law requires all students to submit official documentation to their school that confirms they have received the required vaccinations and have had a physical exam before the first day of school.

Before the first day of school this 2025-2026 school year, all seventh-grade students must provide proof that they received the following vaccines:

– Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis vaccine (Tdap)

– Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV)

– Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV)

Additionally, children new to Hawaii schools must complete a tuberculosis clearance form with their healthcare provider.

Well-child visits are recommended at least once a year for children and youth so their healthcare providers can monitor the child’s growth and development while addressing physical activity, health, and behaviors.

For more information about Hawai‘i’s school health requirements, visit www.VaxToSchoolHawaii.com.