DOH urges vaccinations for keiki and boosters for adults
Posted on Nov 29, 2021 in Capitol Connection, Featured, Main
The state Department of Health’s push for free COVID-19 vaccinations continues, especially among children recently approved to receive the Pfizer vaccine. “The priority right now is getting those 5 to 11 years old vaccinated to help further mitigate the spread of COVID in our community and help us get back to where we want to be,” said Dr. Elizabeth Char, DOH director.
Children’s vaccinations will be available at some 200 locations statewide, including medical facilities, community health centers, pharmacies, pediatricians’ offices and more than 130 public, private and charter schools. Details on where children’s vaccines are available will be updated regularly at https://hawaiicovid19.com/vaccine/. Under new booster rules, anyone 18 or older can choose a Pfizer or Moderna booster six months after their last dose. For those who got the single-dose J&J vaccine, the wait is just two months. All adults, especially those 50 and older, are urged to get their boosters.
Also, COVID-19 underscored the importance of having community health workers who can connect to populations disproportionately affected by the pandemic. DOH has been awarded a $2.2 million grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to grow this workforce, help address health disparities and build resilience for future public health emergencies.