LIHU‘E — COVID-19 vaccine booster doses are now available on Kaua‘i for those aged 12 and older.
“Evidence shows that a booster dose provides significant protection from severe illness, hospitalization, and death,” state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman said in a statement.
“We know that the immunity provided by the initial vaccination wanes over time, and a booster dose is especially important for protection from omicron. Boosters for keiki will help keep them in school, healthy and learning,” she said.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded eligibility of booster doses to those 12 to 15 years old. CDC now recommends that adolescents 12 to 17 years old should receive a booster shot five months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series. At this time, only the Pfizer vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 12 to 17.
Also last week, the CDC reduced the interval for receiving a booster shot for people who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines from six to five months. The booster interval recommendation remains unchanged for people who received the J&J vaccine (two months).
For a list of locations offering boosters and initial doses, visit kauai.gov/vaccine.
More pop-up vaccine clinics are coming to neighborhoods around the island.
The pop-up clinics are operated by Ho‘ola Lahui Hawai‘i and the DOH Kaua‘i Community Health Center, and are open to everyone 5 and older. Boosters and initial doses are available. Walk-ins are accepted and no appointments are needed. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Isenberg Park: Saturday, Jan. 15, 9 to 11 a.m.;
• Ho‘ola Lahui Hawai‘i/Kaua‘i Community Health Center Kapa‘a Clinic, 4800D Kawaihau Rd/, Saturday, Jan. 21 from 9 to 11 a.m.;
• Ho‘ola Lahui Hawai‘i/Kaua‘i Community Health Center Waimea Medical Clinic, 4643B Waimea Canyon Rd., Saturday, Jan. 21, from 9 to 11 a.m.;
• Kanuikapono Public Charter School, Anahola, Saturday, Jan. 29, from 9 to 11 a.m.;
• Kekaha Neighborhood Center, Saturday, Jan. 29, from 9 to 11 a.m.;
• Isenberg Park, Lihu‘e, Saturday, Feb. 5, from 9 to 11 a.m.
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