HONOLULU — Hawaii has received $87.4 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to open more coronavirus vaccination sites.
The grants will help expedite a vaccination process that has been slower than anticipated in states across the country, including Hawaii.
“Funds will reimburse expenses for medical and support staff; personal protective equipment; facility costs and supplies required to store, handle, transport and administer vaccines; and efforts to share public information regarding vaccinations,” the agency said in a statement.
The state has experienced vaccine shortages and thousands of people who have received their first shot are overdue for their second, Hawaii News Now reported Wednesday. About 153,000 people in the state have been vaccinated as of Wednesday.
The federal organization provides grants to states and nonprofits as part of its Public Assistance program in order to quickly respond to emergencies after a presidential disaster declaration, KHON-TV reported.