Hawai‘i marks COVID vaccine anniversary
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) marks the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 vaccinations in the islands by thanking the people of Hawai‘i, vaccination providers and everyone who has worked to make COVID-19 vaccines accessible around the state. “COVID-19 vaccines are truly life-savers. And everything we learn about the Omicron variant tells us the vaccines are just as important today as they were when we administered the first shot one year ago,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP. To date, 2,439,075 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Hawai‘i. DOH estimates 73.2% of the state’s population has received [...]
Hawai‘i’s Filipino Community Demonstrates There is Power in Unity
The devastating effects of the pandemic have sometimes brought out the best in people by encouraging them to create new partnerships and find solutions to care for those in need. Hawai‘i’s Filipino community has done that by serving as a model of collaboration and mobilization. The pandemic revealed significant health disparities in our Aloha State. Filipinos, which make up about 16% of Hawai‘i’s total population, were being disproportionately affected by COVID-19 last year. In November 2020, more than 20% of the COVID-19 cases were affecting Filipinos — the ethnic group experiencing the second highest rate of COVID-19 cases in the [...]
Omicron variant spreads
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s State Laboratories Division (SLD) has detected 12 cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.529, also known as the Omicron variant, on O‘ahu. “Most of the infected individuals have no known connection with one another. This indicates the Omicron variant is spreading deeper into our communities,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. “People who have tested positive should isolate themselves. Close contacts and people with symptoms should get tested, regardless of vaccination status,” Kemble added. The Department of Health (DOH) is investigating four COVID-19 cases among patrons of the Scarlet Honolulu nightclub on Pauahi Street. [...]
DOH expands booster authorization to 16 and 17-Year-Olds
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is adopting expanded guidelines from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on COVID-19 booster vaccinations. Hawai‘i residents ages 16 and 17 may receive a booster dose if it has been at least six months since the completion of the initial series of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. DOH reminds all eligible residents they can receive a booster dose if it has been at least two months since their Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or six months since completing their Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech series. The recent emergence of the Omicron variant underscores the importance [...]
2 New Omicron Variant Cases, DOH Alerts Public to Possible Exposure
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) reports two additional confirmed Omicron variant COVID-19 cases and several possible points of exposure in Hawai‘i. “It is imperative that all Hawai‘i residents work together to limit the spread of the Omicron variant,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. “These additional cases and points of exposure show that Omicron is in our community, and the best thing we can do is to get vaccinated, continue to wear a mask and get tested if you feel ill or had contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.” DOH’s State Laboratories Division (SLD) confirmed two additional [...]
DOH examines specimens as possible Omicron cases
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s State Laboratories Division (SLD) is performing whole genome sequencing on three COVID-19 specimens with molecular clues indicating they may be the Omicron variant. “We remind everyone that wearing masks, avoiding large gatherings and getting vaccinated will keep them safe,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP. “We can’t yet say these specimens are Omicron cases, but we believe Omicron is already moving through the community. Our only confirmed Omicron case involves an individual with no known travel history. That leads us to believe it is a case of community transmission,” said State Epidemiologist [...]
Hawai‘i Department of Health laboratory detects Omicron variant in Hawai‘i
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s (DOH) State Laboratories Division (SLD) confirms the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.529, also known as the Omicron variant, has been detected in the islands. “This isn’t reason for panic, but it is reason for concern. It’s a reminder the pandemic is ongoing. We need to protect ourselves by getting vaccinated, wearing masks, distancing as best we can and avoiding large crowds,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP. On Monday, Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc. (DLS) identified a specimen with a molecular clue indicating it may be Omicron. The State Laboratories Division performed expedited whole genome sequencing [...]
DOH recommends all vaccinated adults receive a booster
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is adopting stronger guidelines from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on COVID-19 booster vaccinations. Effective immediately, all adults age 18 and older who completed their primary mRNA vaccinations of Pfizer or Moderna at least six months ago should receive a single COVID-19 booster dose. Boosters are still recommended for anyone who received Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine more than two months ago. “This guidance is clear—all fully vaccinated adults should get a booster when it is available to them,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP. “While the Omicron [...]
DOH reactivates Hawaii Immunization Registry
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has reactivated the Hawai‘i Immunization Registry. The immunization registry is a statewide information system that stores and tracks patient immunization records for 25 diseases including vaccinations for polio, tetanus, measles, mumps and now COVID-19. “The Hawai’i Immunization Registry provides health care professionals with a patient’s individual immunization history. Providers can see when a patient was vaccinated and what product they received. They can tell when a patient is overdue for a vaccine and avoid administering redundant vaccines,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. The immunization registry was under repair when the pandemic [...]
Say Yes! Home Testing Program Helps Hawai‘i Residents Identify COVID-19 Early
When one of her customers who took part in the Say Yes! COVID Test program tested positive for COVID-19, Keri Oyadomari, Pharmacist and Director of Clinical Services at 5 Minute Pharmacy, knew right then that the program was valuable to the community. “A patient had called after receiving a set of home testing kits that day,” Oyadomari said. “They had reported mild symptoms and decided to use one of the kits. We were able to counsel and educate them over the phone on the next steps. They would not have tested had they not had the kits due to the mild [...]