HI HCR173

Department of Health urged to begin education, outreach, and vaccination drive efforts at Hawaii schools with vaccination rates below 30 percent starting in the 2025-2026 school year, in partnership with community health centers and local healthcare providers.

Department of Health directed to partner with Department of Education to develop a long-term program to counter vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccination rates across Hawaii's schools.

Department of Health required to submit a report on the long-term program development to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2026 Regular Session, including recommendations on funding and administrative restructuring.

Resolution notes that in the 2023-2024 school year, 17.09 percent of students had no immunization record or were missing some immunizations, with some private schools having non-vaccination rates exceeding 60 percent.

Resolution cites successful vaccination education programs in other states (Seattle, Washington, and Michigan) that increased vaccination rates through community engagement and parent-to-parent messaging strategies.