Keiki COVID Vaccine Clinics Now Open

COVID-19 vaccine is now available for children ages 5-11 at Wilcox Medical Center and Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital (KVMH).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the Pfizer vaccine for this age group Tuesday, Nov. 2, after it received emergency use authorization from the FDA on Oct. 29. The vaccine is now able to be administered to this age group effective immediately.

Mayor Derek SK Kawakami encouraged Kaua‘i parents to get their kids vaccinated or to talk to their pediatricians if they have concerns.

“Vaccines are our path forward and will help keep our keiki and those around them safe,” Kawakami said. “But we understand it’s a personal decision that should be discussed between family and those you turn to for healthcare needs.”

The keiki 5-11 vaccine clinic at Wilcox Medical Center in Līhuʻe will be open: Wednesday, Nov. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 5, from 2 to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 13, from 8 a.m. to noon; Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m.; and Tuesday, Nov. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. Appointments are required for pediatric vaccinations at this location.

To schedule an appointment, go to: WilcoxHealth.org/Vaccine. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The keiki 5-11 vaccine clinic at Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital (KVMH) in Waimea will open Wednesday, Nov. 10, from 2 to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 2 to 5 p.m.; and Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 2 to 5 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted at this location; no appointments are necessary.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The vaccine is free; no insurance is needed.

Health officials emphasized that vaccination protects the child and reduces the likelihood they’ll transmit the virus to family members, friends, and others.

“Children who are infected can transmit the coronavirus to others, even if they have no symptoms,” said Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman. “The vaccine reduces the chances your keiki will get sick if exposed, while reducing the chances your family will have to isolate or quarantine. Although COVID-19 in children is usually milder than in adults, some children become very sick, requiring hospitalization, and some experience long-term health effects.”

In the State of Hawai‘i, 2% of children who tested positive for COVID have required hospitalization. In August 2021 alone, there were approximately 4,500 pediatric COVID-19 cases statewide — more than in the previous seven months combined.

For more information on vaccines for children and adults, or for information on booster doses for adults, visit Kauai.gov/vaccine.