Q. I know the government keeps saying that vaccines don't cause autism, but after reading about the settlement between the government and the family of a girl whose autism symptoms were triggered by vaccines, I would rather play it safe and not vaccinate my kids. The problem is that vaccines are required for school. Is there any way to get exempted from the requirement?

A. The Department of Education does allow exemptions from immunization requirements for medical or religious reasons, with proper documentation.

You can get a religious exemption form from the school that your child will attend. Medical exemption forms are available from your child's pediatrician.

The state Department of Health recommends talking to your doctor about your concerns.

According to Morgan Barrett, M.D., DOH deputy director for health resources, "Childhood immunization is lifesaving. There's absolutely nothing changed in our recommendations to get children vaccinated. This is proven to save lives and is an essential component of health protection for children in Hawai'i and everywhere in the world."

Q. I need to get government identification for my children, who are still too young to get driver's licenses. Passports are expensive. Keiki ID cards are free, but I don't think they're official. What photo identification options are available for children?

A. If you don't need a passport, a state ID card is cheaper. You can get a card at the state ID office at 465 South King St., room 102, between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Bring the proper documents, including a Social Security card and a birth certificate or other recognized document. If your children are under 14, you also need proof of guardianship.

More information is available at http://hawaii.gov/ag/hcjdc/main/hawaii_id_cards/. The Web site now features a link to an online application, which will allow you to fill out the application and pay for the card in advance, saving you time in line at the ID office.

While I was researching this question, I ran across information on Keiki Print Cards, offered by the Honolulu Police Department. Unlike the Keiki ID cards, these aren't laminated to put in your wallet, but it might be a good idea to have one at home since it includes ID information, fingerprints and a DNA sample.

You can find learn about those cards at http://www.honolulupd.org/community/keiki/keiki_print.htm.