Thousands Vaccinated for COVID-19 on Kaua‘i

As of Friday, more than 3,000 Kaua‘i healthcare workers, first responders, frontline essential workers, and long-term care facility residents received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

On Monday, Kaua‘i hospitals will announce detailed plans for providing vaccinations to kūpuna aged 75 and older. Additionally, the Department of Health will begin vaccinating Kaua‘i residents who work in education and child care. Later this month, the vaccine will be available to essential frontline workers in food and agriculture, manufacturing, grocery stores, and the postal service.

“This is a large group and is expected to take some time,” said Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. “As additional vaccine shipments become available, we will expand the list of eligible residents.”

This week, beginning Jan. 5, the first doses were made available to frontline essential workers in public transit, correctional facilities, and congregate facilities. Vaccines were available to firefighters, police officers and sheriffs, TSA agents, airport security, airport arrival screeners, and Emergency Management personnel starting on Dec. 29.

Vaccinations for health care workers began on Dec. 21, 2020, through hospital clinics and a closed Point of Distribution run by the Department of Health.

Hawai‘i National Guard members and Pacific Missile Range Facility employees were offered the vaccine through the Department of Defense.

In addition, long-term care residents received the vaccine through a direct contract between the federal government and CVS. Long-term care residents at the following facilities received the first dose: Garden Isle Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Kaua‘i Veteran’s Memorial Hospital, Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, Hale Kupuna Heritage Home, Kaua‘i Care Center, Kekaha Elderly Housing, and Regency at Puakea.

At this time, there is no COVID-19 vaccine approved for children under 16. For more information on Kaua‘i’s vaccine distribution program, visit www.kauai.gov/vaccine.

A copy of the state vaccination plan and a list of frequently asked questions are available at hawaiicovid19.com/vaccine.