Vaccines administered in Hawaii
How are vaccines administered in Hawaii?
The COVID-19 vaccination program is a national initiative under the Centers for Disease Control, administered in the state by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH). The County of Maui is working closely with DOH in implementing a robust, comprehensive vaccination plan to ensure the COVID-19 vaccine is available to residents in an efficient, orderly manner. To see the weekly progress in the distribution and administration of the vaccine statewide and in each county, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/what-you-should-know/current-situation-in-hawaii/#vaccine.
Vaccines Availability
Which vaccines are currently available on Maui?
Currently the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 and the Moderna vaccines are being administered on Maui. Both require two doses, given 3 to 4 weeks apart respectively.
When can Maui County residents get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccinations are underway but because the supply of COVID-19 vaccine in the United States is limited at this time, the CDC established a priority system with recommendations for the who should be vaccinated first. Each state has its own plan, to read the Hawaii DOH plan, visit https://hawaiicovid19.com/vaccine/.
Who are in Hawaii’s priority groups?
Vaccines are administered by priority groups in the following order:
- Priority 1a: Healthcare personnel, first responders, long-term care facility residents
- Priority 1b: Frontline essential workers and those 75 years of age or older
- Priority 1c: Those between the ages of 65-74 years, those between 16 to 64 years old with high-risk health conditions and additional essential worker
- Priority 2: Anyone else over the age of 16 who would like to get a vaccine.
Who is eligible to receive vaccines right now in Hawaii?
Hawaii is currently vaccinating those in 1b priority groups.
Where can I get a vaccine in Maui County?
On Maui, vaccines are being administered by:
- Maui Health is offering “walk-up” vaccinations for those 70+ years of age; pre-registration not required. Satellite vaccine clinic is open in Kihei, 9 am to 5 pm, Mon & Wed. Residents under the age of 70 must still register on VAMS for an appointment. To register or more information: www.mauihealth.org/covidvaccine.
- Longs in Kahului will receive 2,100 doses of the “one-shot” Johnson & Johnson vaccine this week for healthcare personnel, long-term care facility residents, adults 75 years of age and older and frontline essential workers. Appointments are mandatory. For eligibility and to book an appointment: www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19vaccine.
Lanai residents may contact Lanai Community Hospital or CVS Pharmacy for vaccine information. Molokai residents may contact Molokai General Hospital for specific information.
How much does the vaccine cost?
There is no cost for the vaccine; there may be a modest administrative fee.
Other Vaccination Information
Do I have to get the vaccine if I’ve already had COVID?
It is recommended you still get the vaccine because the protection and immunity of post-virus antibodies may weaken and could eventually disappear over time.
Should children be vaccinated?
No, not at this time. The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is only for those age 16 and older. No vaccine has yet been approved for children.
What can I do to protect myself from contracting COVID while I wait for my vaccine?
Continue with wearing face masks, social distancing, avoiding crowds, and frequent handwashing to protect yourself and others prior to, and after, receiving both doses of the vaccine.
Do I still have to wear a mask after getting both vaccine doses?
Anthony Fauci, M.D., the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, recommends everyone to continue following all public health guidelines until the CDC has determined the vaccine has established “herd immunity.”