#HIGotVaccinated Announces June Campaign Impact, Plans to Extend Campaign
HONOLULU- Hawai‘i’s #HIGotVaccinated campaign gave the state’s vaccination effort a shot in the arm. The campaign’s positive impact and the ongoing need to get more people vaccinated have organizers excited about extending the #HIGotVaccinated campaign – with new prizes – through July and into August. Prior to the #HIGotVaccinated campaign, the average number of new weekly vaccinations was on the decline. Based on the observed rate of a 20% weekly decline in the statewide vaccination rates in the weeks leading up to the campaign, DOH created a model predicting the number of vaccinations that would have been expected for these [...]
Delta variant detected in all major counties
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s State Laboratories Division (SLD) has detected a total of 13 cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.617.2, also known as the Delta variant of concern. The Delta variant has been found on O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i island. “The rapid spread of the Delta variant is troubling, but not surprising,” said State Laboratories Division Administrator Dr. Edward Desmond. “Cases of this particular strain of COVID-19 have doubled every two weeks in other jurisdictions so we expected it to move quickly after it was first detected on O‘ahu earlier this month.” The Delta variant is [...]
Hawai‘i Department of Health laboratory detects Delta variant in Hawai‘i
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s State Laboratories Division (SLD) confirms the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.617.2, also known as the Delta variant, has been detected in the islands. This strain of COVID-19 was first detected in India, where the virus sparked a public health crisis in April and May. The Delta variant now makes up approximately 6% of all cases in the United States. The State Laboratories Division routinely monitors for variants through genome sequencing surveillance. The variant was detected in a specimen from an O‘ahu resident, who traveled to Nevada in early May; the Delta variant was reported in [...]
Hawai‘i Department of Health vaccination data confirms disparities, shows link between vaccination and mental health
HONOLULU – A recent Hawaii Department of Health-commissioned survey has confirmed the need to make vaccinations more accessible for those who face health and social disparities, and that getting vaccinated can contribute to a person’s overall sense of mental well-being. The survey was conducted among 482 adult Hawai‘i full-time residents statewide to assess perceptions about COVID-19 from April 20, 2021 to May 3, 2021. Anthology Research has been tracking resident attitudes and behaviors relating to the pandemic on a regular basis since April 2020. Overall, 68% of those polled have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Of the [...]
State of Hawai‘i, healthcare, business communities launch new vaccination initiative
HONOLULU - The State of Hawai‘i and community partners are expanding efforts to get more people in Hawai‘i vaccinated. #HIGotVaccinated Month will run through June and is aimed at educating and motivating Hawai‘i residents who have not yet received COVID-19 vaccinations. The business community is working together to offer incentives for vaccinated Hawai‘i residents, and Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) and healthcare providers are making the vaccine available in more locations than ever. “We appreciate the community rallying around the state’s COVID-19 vaccination effort and stepping up to encourage more Hawai‘i residents to get vaccinated,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth [...]
Vaccination progress maps identify areas where improved vaccination access is critical to avoid “vaccine deserts”
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health is unveiling its newest tool to help encourage more Hawai‘i residents to get vaccinated: COVID-19 vaccination progress maps. Based on vaccination data collected to date, the Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Disease Outbreak Control Division has developed a new set of heat maps that show vaccination rates by ZIP code for each island. The maps will be used to identify potential vaccine deserts – areas where access to vaccine may be limited. The goal is to increase access through innovative community-based strategies. “The vaccine is our best tool to move forward together as a [...]
Hawai‘i Department of Health and community partners to expand vaccine access over Memorial Day weekend
Restaurants, malls, farmers market & beach park to serve as walk-up vaccination sites HONOLULU - The Hawai‘i State Department of Health is partnering with community leaders to increase vaccination access over Memorial Day weekend. Vaccination sites are planned across the state at accessible locations such as malls, restaurants, farmers markets, and a beach park. These events augment the hundreds of sites statewide offering COVID-19 vaccinations through Points of Dispensing (PODs), pharmacies, and other outreach events. Additional opportunities can be found at HawaiiCOVID19.com/vaccine or @HawaiiDOH on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. “Thanks to the support of our community partners, it will be [...]
State’s microbiologists provide genomic virus data to shape future pandemic response
Science confirms value of vaccinations HONOLULU – A team of about a dozen microbiologists and other professionals has been on an important mission for more than a year: to collect and analyze data on the coronavirus to help epidemiologists determine how best to respond to the ongoing pandemic. They’re part of a genomic surveillance project of the Hawai‘i Department of Health’s State Laboratories Division, led by Pamela O’Brien, who has been working in the lab for more than 16 years. The team works in the stately lab building, tucked away on Waimano Ridge, high above Pearl Harbor. The serene, peaceful [...]
Leeward and Windward vaccination PODs wind down as state enters next stage of vaccination rollout
HONOLULU – The vaccination clinics or Points of Dispensing (PODs) in Leeward and Windward Oahu that have been in operation for the past five months have been critical to the state’s rapid rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations. With the vaccine now available at more sites, however, these PODs will be winding down this week. This Thursday, May 13, will be the last day of operations for both PODs. Residents are urged to make an appointment or walk-in at either POD before they close. Hours of operation at the POD at Leeward Community College will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow, [...]
Collaborative, multi-agency effort underway to reach vulnerable, hard-to-reach Hawai‘i residents
HONOLULU – Several government agencies along with private-sector and non-profit partners have launched a full-scale outreach effort to ensure every individual who wants a COVID-19 vaccination is able to get one. All Hawaii residents 16 years and older are eligible for vaccinations and the Department of Health is strongly encouraging everyone to take advantage of this. “We’re working hard to understand people’s reservations and barriers to accessing the vaccine and to provide information and education about the vaccines and the disease in order to allow people to make informed decisions and access vaccine if they choose to,” said Dr. Elizabeth [...]