LIHUE — The state is looking to rework requirements for keiki vaccinations and, already, some Kauai parents are voicing opposition.
“It is extremely disappointing that more and questionable vaccines are being added to people’s regiments. There needs to be choice,” said Michaela Boudreaux, a Kauai resident.
A meeting is set for Dec. 21 for the public and state Department of Health to hash out the pending updates to the vaccine and examination rules for kids, and parents are gearing up.
“This is a time to get public input, so please show up there to clarify our resistance to getting mandatory immunizations,” Kauai resident Toni Lilijengren wrote to The Garden Island.
She asked questions echoed by others, who voiced strong opposition to mandatory vaccinations and concerns about the repercussions of vaccinations.
Anna Koethe, DOH spokeswoman, said parents can still opt out of vaccinations for their children with medical or religious exemptions.
The exemptions could be preempted in case of an outbreak or the danger of an outbreak, which has also always been within the rules.
“There are no proposed changes to existing exemption categories, and any existing exemptions would continue to be honored and accepted,” Koethe said.
A major change, though, is that six new vaccines would be added to the list.
The new vaccines on the list would be: HPV (Human Papillomavirus Vaccine), MCV (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine), Tdap (Tetanus-diptheria-acellular pertussis), Hepatitis A, Influenza, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and rotavirus.
Currently, DOH requires for school children DTaP/DTP/Td (diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis), Polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) Hepatitis B, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) (for preschool attendance) and Varicella (chickenpox).
Requiring a flu shot is starting to cross multiple disciplines. This year, Wilcox Medical Center started requiring flu shots for staff members, and the wearing of masks for those who don’t get the flu shot, to stop the spread.
The requirement was in response to the national Centers for Disease Control’s report that the 2017 flu season was the worst on record.
Several states have started requiring the influenza vaccine for children before they reach child care — New York City jumped on board in 2018, Rhode Island and Ohio implemented the rule in 2015, Connecticut started the requirement in 2011 and New Jersey has been requiring it since 2008.
Those opposed to flu shots cite the potential to trigger the autoimmune disorder Gullian-Barre syndrome, vascular disorders and narcolepsy, studies linking the immunizations to an increased chance of Alzheimer’s disease, and fears the shots contain ingredients like mercury and aluminum.
Many health officials say those fears are misguided.
CDC says side effects to flu shots are soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever and aches, and that very few people will experience those side effects.
But it’s not just potential extra ingredients and side effects for flu shots that concern some on Kauai. Rather, it’s those ingredients in all vaccinations.
“We do not want the chemicals in them injected into our body. It is a violation of our human rights,” Lilijengren said.
DOH’s proposed new vaccine requirements are up for public comment, and a public hearing is scheduled on Dec. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the DOH Kauai District Health Office conference room, 3040 Umi Street, Lihue.
Testimony on the rule changes may be submitted orally or in writing during the public hearings. Written testimony can be submitted by email to immunization@doh.hawaii.gov by Dec. 26.
For more information and to view the proposed rules: bit.ly/2QOmvqQ
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Jessica Else, environment reporter, can be reached at 245-0452 or jelse@thegardenisland.com.
