DOH prepares for likely authorization of COVID-19 vaccine for keiki 5-11
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is planning for the likely administration of COVID-19 vaccinations to children 5-11 as it closely monitors federal review of the Pfizer vaccine for this age group. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must authorize use of the vaccine and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must issue recommendations for clinical use of the vaccine before administration can begin. However, DOH is preparing to make Pfizer’s vaccine for children available statewide in the event its use is authorized. “DOH has been working with public- and private-sector partners to prepare [...]
One million in Hawai‘i complete vaccinations
More than 420,000 not fully vaccinated HONOLULU – Data compiled by the Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) show more than one-million people in Hawai‘i are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “It’s great to see so many people in Hawai‘i follow the science. We are thrilled that over a million people are fully vaccinated. That leaves an estimated 420,000 people who are not yet fully vaccinated. We are still averaging about 120 new COVID-19 cases every day,” said Director of Health Dr. Elizabeth Char. DOH encourages the roughly 119,000 people who have received only one shot of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines [...]
As DOH Marks 70% of Hawai‘i Residents Fully Vaccinated, Director Char Urges Continued Vigilance
More than 426,000 Hawai‘i Residents Have Not Completed Vaccination HONOLULU – Hawai‘i Department of Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char released the following statement on 70% of Hawaii residents completing COVID-19 vaccination: “While we are encouraged that 70% of Hawai‘i residents have made the choice to protect themselves and our community through vaccination, there is more work to do. Even with this rate of protection, our seven-day average case count is 130 new cases per day. We encourage all eligible Hawai‘i residents to become part of the solution and get vaccinated.” Nearly 102,000 eligible Hawai‘i residents have not started vaccination, and [...]
DOH: COVID-19 far deadlier than influenza
Vaccination critical to protect against both illnesses HONOLULU – Dr. Sarah Kemble, Hawaiʻi Department of Health state epidemiologist, released the following statement on mortality rates involving COVID-19 and influenza: “In Hawaiʻi and around the world, COVID-19 was far deadlier than the flu during the 2020-2021 flu season. There was one confirmed influenza death in Hawaiʻi between Sept. 27, 2020 and Oct. 2, 2021. This is compared to 608 COVID-19 deaths in the same reporting period. While influenza deaths have been rare in the past season, the upcoming season is a big unknown. If mitigation measures are loosened as COVID cases [...]
DOH authorizes Pfizer booster doses, prioritizes first shots & kupuna
First priority remains providing access to unvaccinated individuals 65+, 50-64 with underlying conditions prioritized for booster HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health is issuing prioritization guidelines for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in order to implement the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations on COVID-19 booster doses. First and second doses should have priority over any booster doses. The best way to protect Hawai‘i families and communities is to ensure that unvaccinated Hawai‘i residents complete their primary vaccine series. DOH recommends vaccination providers give priority to individuals age 65 and older and individuals age 50-64 with underlying [...]
Federal resources to bolster administration of monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID-19
HONOLULU – A federal team of 30 civilians is being deployed to Hawaiʻi to administer monoclonal antibody therapy to treat COVID-19 patients. Increasing access to monoclonal antibody therapy will decrease severe illness in individuals recently infected with COVID-19, providing relief to Hawaii’s hospitals. Monoclonal antibody therapy is not a substitute for vaccination. Monoclonal antibodies help the immune system temporarily respond to the immediate infection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued Emergency Use Authorization for a number of monoclonal antibody therapies that serve as early treatment after a COVID-19 diagnosis. “Targeted use of monoclonal antibodies could keep Hawaiʻi COVID-19 patients [...]
DOH Expands West Oʻahu Testing & Vaccination Events
HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is expanding West Oʻahu testing and vaccination efforts in response to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 in this community. “We recognize that for many, historic inequities, misinformation and insufficient access to care have contributed to a lack of confidence in COVID-19 vaccines,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. “We thank our West Oʻahu community for coming together to support vaccination and testing. DOH is working hand-in-hand with community leaders to create welcoming, collaborative environments that will lead to healthier communities.” DOH is adding testing and vaccination events to promote health equity in [...]
DOH Statement on the Pono Coalition for Informed Consent
HONOLULU – Hawaiʻi Department of Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP released the following statement on the Pono Coalition for Informed Consent: “This week, COVID-19 took the lives of 19 Hawaiʻi residents. Over 9,000 of our family, friends, and neighbors are sick with COVID. The tragedy of this spike in cases is that by and large, it’s preventable. We have vaccines that will save the lives of Hawaii residents. “We listen to all sides in public health. We believe in dialogue. But in this case, the science is clear. More than 350 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered [...]
DOH recommends additional mRNA vaccine dose for immunocompromised individuals
HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) issued a medical advisory recommending that moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals should receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after the initial two doses. The additional dose should be given at least 28 days after a second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. This recommendation is in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Additional doses or booster shots are not recommended for the general public at this time. “Immunocompromised individuals are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, as they may [...]
New data provides a more accurate picture of vaccinations in Hawai‘i
Vaccination rates by county and age now include federal doses HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s COVID-19 data are more detailed thanks to statistical information on federal program vaccine recipients. Beginning today the Department of Health’s Disease Outbreak Control Division data dashboard reflects new data provided by federal agencies. This includes new information on where the vaccines were administered and the age of the people who received the vaccinations. The improved data shows an increase in the percentage of persons who have completed their vaccinations in all counties. Vaccinations with federal data Vaccinations without federal data Honolulu County [...]