HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii is ramping up distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in Hawaii, but not everyone is eligible to have the opportunity yet.
That’s because there is still limited supply of the vaccine in the islands and across the country.
Two COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use in the United States; one is manufactured by Pfizer and the second by Moderna. Both vaccines require two doses, separated by three to four weeks.
Whichever vaccine you receive first, you will receive the same vaccine for your second dose.
The State Health Department has outlined two stages for vaccine distribution.
Currently, the state is vaccinating those who fall into stages 1a and 1b.
Phase 1a includes medical personnel and people living in long-term care facilities. Phase 1b includes key frontline workers and people aged 75 and over.
In phase 1b, key staff includes all first responders and:
- Corrections officers and personnel
- Emergency dispatchers
- Persons essential to federal, state, and local government activities
- Critical transport infrastructure workers (such as dockers)
- Employees in critical facilities (such as energy and water)
- Teachers and childcare support staff
- Employees at US Postal Service
Phase 1c is scheduled to begin in mid-March. It contains:
- Adults aged 65 to 74
- People 16 years of age and older with high-risk medical conditions
- Essential employees previously ineligible
The final stage of distribution, Stage 2, includes anyone 16 years of age and older who has not previously been vaccinated.
A number of vaccination efforts are underway at the same time, including in long-term care facilities, hospitals and educational establishments.
Mass vaccination sites are another way to get the vaccine.
The vaccine is free, but it is always a good idea to contact your health care provider.
It is not mandatory to get the vaccine. If you qualify but want to wait, you can.
The State Health Department said, “As more long-term data becomes available on the longer-term benefits and safety of the vaccine, the CDC will decide whether the vaccine should be mandatory.”
People who have recovered from COVID-19 are urged to get the vaccine if they qualify.
The CDC notes that experts don’t yet know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovery from COVID-19. Natural immunity also differs from person to person.
You will still be urged to wear a mask after you receive the vaccine because while you may not get symptoms from the virus, there is a chance that you could pass the virus to others.
Social distancing and hyper hygiene will also be a reality in the near future.
For more information on the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines, click here.
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