HONOLULU (KHON2) -- A new development released by the Hawaii State Department of Health revealed more Hawaii students are not up to date with their immunizations. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news According to new data, nearly 40,000 students from public, charter and private schools did not have their school-required communications for the 2023-24 school year, a 25% increase from the previous year. The DOH said the majority of students missing these requirements were in seventh grade (55%) compared to 16% of kindergarteners. From streets to service: West Oahu man’s new mission behind bars Officials added 282 out of the 382 schools for the 2023-24 year reported more than 5% of students not up to date with vaccinations. Meanwhile, 36 schools reported more than 50% of their student body is not up to date. Low vaccination rates mean unvaccinated keiki are at increased risk of infection, especially at schools with a high rate of the student population not being up to date. We are already seeing increased cases of pertussis and are at risk for a measles outbreak. Immunizations are necessary to protect infants, children and adults from potentially serious and contagious diseases. Dr. Kenneth Fink, DOH director The number includes the 4% of religiously exempt students and the nearly 2% who have medical exemptions. DOH officials said they are working closely with educational partners and healthcare providers to help address the upward trend of vaccine hesitancy in Hawaii. The work includes educating families, increasing access to pharmacies and physician practices and accessibility to accurate data on student immunizations by modernizing the Hawaii Immunization Registry. Check out more news from around Hawaii Immunization data is accessible on the DOH's website.