Hawaii Expands Booster Shot Eligibility to All Adults

Strategic Insights -

Adults in Hawaii who were fully vaccinated at least six months ago are now eligible to receive a booster shot after the state Department of Health adopted federal guidance authorizing additional doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna coronavirus vaccines. This expansion simplifies the previously confusing criteria for booster shots, which previously targeted high-risk groups. The move comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends booster shots for anyone over 50 and those 18 and older residing in long-term care facilities, while also making them available to anyone 18 and older.

Key Takeaways:

  • The state of Hawaii has expanded booster shot eligibility to all adults who were fully vaccinated at least six months ago.
  • The expansion follows federal guidance, simplifying the previous matrix of criteria for booster shots.
  • The CDC recommends booster shots for individuals over 50 and those 18 and older residing in long-term care facilities, while also making them available to anyone 18 and older.
  • Approximately 145,000 Hawaii residents have already received a booster shot in recent months under prior authorizations.
  • State health officials are not anticipating any supply shortages, with a current supply of over 170,000 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine.
  • CVS Health will begin offering booster shots to all adults at its pharmacies nationwide, including Hawaii, starting this weekend.
  • The booster shots are intended to provide additional protection against COVID-19, particularly in areas where vaccine effectiveness has waned.
  • State health officials are encouraging unvaccinated individuals to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect against severe illness and death.

Statistics:

  • 145,000 Hawaii residents have already received a booster shot in recent months under prior authorizations.
  • The state has a current supply of over 170,000 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine.
  • Approximately 400,000 Hawaii residents are over 50, and will be eligible for booster shots under the CDC recommendations.
  • The CDC recommends booster shots for individuals over 50 and those 18 and older residing in long-term care facilities.
  • 120 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Hawaii on Friday, with a case positivity rate of 1.4% statewide.

Sources:

  • The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, "All Adults in Hawaii Eligible for COVID-19 Booster Shots, Following Federal Guidance," by Sophie Cocke, 12/3/2021.
  • Hawaii Department of Health, "COVID-19 Vaccination Update," as of 12/3/2021.
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Interim Guidance on the Use of COVID-19 Vaccines," November 2021.
  • CVS Health, "COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots Now Available at CVS Pharmacy Locations," press release, 12/3/2021.