Kaua‘i County Leads State With Highest Number of Residents Vaccinated Against COVID-19

Kaua‘i County is leading the state in vaccinating its residents against COVID-19.

According to the Hawai‘i Department of Health, nearly 18% of Kaua‘i residents have received their first dose of the vaccine. Of that number, approximately 12% have been given the second dose.

Maui County has the lowest per capita rate of residents vaccinated, with 8.5% receiving at least their first dose so far. The rate on O‘ahu is more than 14%, and more than 6% of its residents have both doses. In Hawai‘i County, 12.7% of residents have obtained the first dose.

Click here for a breakdown of the state’s rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr. Janet Berreman, director of the Kaua‘i District of Health Office, attributed their success in the distribution of the vaccine to the fact that they live in a relatively small community, adding there are strong community partnerships that have made it easier to handle this undertaking.

“It’s good preparation and a lot of rolling up the sleeves and doing the hard work,” she said.

In line with the DOH policies, Berreman said the vaccine has been available to Kaua‘i residents who fall within prioritization groups 1a and 1b, which include health care workers, long-term care facility residents as well as frontline essential workers and kūpuna 75 years and older.

Kaua‘i has been fortunate, Berreman added, as they have been able to get through all those groups.

“We’re pleased and proud with how rapidly we’ve been able to administer the vaccine and we’re cognizant of those who are still waiting,” she said.