Hawaii SB1437 aims to reduce non-medical immunization exemptions for school children to improve public health.

Hawaii SB1437 seeks to amend school immunization requirements by limiting non-medical exemptions. The bill notes that while non-medical exemptions have more than doubled from 2.5% to 5.3% over the past decade, high immunization rates are crucial for herd immunity, especially for medically fragile children. The bill allows for medical exemptions certified by healthcare professionals and maintains religious exemptions for those already approved. The intent is to protect public health by minimizing exemptions while considering individual circumstances.

Hawaii SB1437 aims to reduce non-medical immunization exemptions for school children to improve public health.

Hawaii SB1437 seeks to amend school immunization requirements by limiting non-medical exemptions. The bill notes that while non-medical exemptions have more than doubled from 2.5% to 5.3% over the past decade, high immunization rates are crucial for herd immunity, especially for medically fragile children. The bill allows for medical exemptions certified by healthcare professionals and maintains religious exemptions for those already approved. The intent is to protect public health by minimizing exemptions while considering individual circumstances.