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The Hawaii Department of Health is urging all eligible residents to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccines before the fall and winter seasons.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been recently updated and authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These vaccines specifically address the XBB lineages of the omicron variant, which are responsible for the majority of COVID cases in Hawaii, according to officials.
“The timing of the authorization of the new 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines is favorable,” said Dr. Kenneth Fink, Director of the DOH, in a news release. “We are witnessing an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. By receiving the new 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine, you are taking steps to minimize the spread of the disease in our communities. This is especially crucial as we approach the holiday season.”
The updated vaccines consist of a monovalent component that specifically targets the XBB lineages, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These vaccines replace the bivalent vaccines, which are no longer authorized for use in the U.S.
The CDC has recommended that individuals 6 months and older receive the updated vaccines to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
“This is an excellent time for the release of the new COVID vaccine,” said Dr. Sarah Kemble, State Epidemiologist. “Especially for Hawaii, where we experienced one of the largest surges in the country from July to early September.”
Last fall, the state faced a surge in three respiratory viruses simultaneously, including COVID, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus.
“We cannot rule out the possibility of a similar situation this year,” she added.
Fortunately, vaccines for all three respiratory viruses, including a new RSV vaccine for adults aged 60 and older, are now available.
Kemble expressed her concern about the average positivity rate of 12.7% reported in Maui County on Wednesday. Although it is lower than the 19.5% recorded in late August, it is still higher than the rate from the same time last year.
“We are still observing significant COVID activity,” she stated. “When comparing test positivity at this time of year to about a year ago, we are actually similar to some of the larger omicron surges in terms of test positivity. Therefore, if you are feeling unwell, it is advisable to get tested.”
Testing is recommended because certain individuals are eligible for treatments that can help prevent hospitalization.
According to the DOH, the new vaccines will be distributed through the usual channels rather than by the government. Most residents should be covered by health insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare.
The federal Bridge Access Program offers no-cost COVID vaccines to uninsured or underinsured adults through participating retail pharmacy chains and federally supported health centers.
Children aged 6 months to 18 years are eligible for the federal Vaccines For Children program, which provides the vaccines at no cost.
Shipments are on the way, according to the DOH, and will be available at different times from various providers.
For information on available COVID-19 vaccines, please visit vaccines.gov.
Vaccines recommended:
