The state Department of Health is planning for the likely administration of COVID-19 vaccinations to children 5-11 as it closely monitors federal review of the Pfizer vaccine for that age group.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration must authorize use of the vaccine, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must issue recommendations for clinical use before administration can begin.
However, the DOH is preparing to make Pfizer’s vaccine for children available statewide in the event its use is authorized, the department announced Thursday.
“DOH has been working with public- and private-sector partners to prepare for the likely authorization of COVID-19 vaccines for children 5-11 to ensure equitable distribution across the state,” Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char said in a statement. “While Pfizer reports its vaccine provides robust protection for children 5-11, we await a review of the scientific evidence by federal regulators. The lives of our keiki are precious, and we are encouraged we may soon be able to protect them from COVID-19 through vaccination.”
DOH estimates there are 119,473 children 5-11 living in Hawaii, which is roughly 8.4% of the state’s population.
An FDA advisory committee is scheduled to meet next Tuesday to discuss authorization of the vaccine, and a CDC advisory committee is scheduled to meet Nov. 2-3 to discuss clinical recommendations.
The DOH said Thursday it is working with providers to offer vaccinations at a wide range of locations including schools, pop-up clinics, community health centers, hospitals, pharmacies and a limited number of pediatricians’ offices.
Pediatricians and other medical providers can register at https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/for-clinicians/covid-19-vaccine/ to administer COVID-19 vaccines.
The DOH also plans a comprehensive communication and outreach campaign to parents and guardians of children 5-11.
The federal government is expected to distribute the first waves of vaccine directly to states, and DOH has preordered the full allotment allocated to Hawaii — 41,700 doses.
This first allocation will cover 35% of Hawaii’s 5- to 11-year-old population. Doses will then be prepositioned on each island based on 5- to 11-year-old population estimates.
The Pfizer dose being considered for children 5-11 is one-third of the adult dose, and is expected to be administered with a smaller needle.
Upon authorization, a list of sites offering vaccinations to this group will be posted at HawaiiCOVID19.com/vaccine. Parents and guardians of those 5-11 will need to fill out a written or electronic consent form before a vaccine can be administered.
The DOH also announced Thursday it will adopt the CDC’s guidelines on COVID-19 booster doses for the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines.
“Boosters doses are common for many vaccines and will provide additional protection to Hawaii residents at higher risk for severe illness or occupational exposure,” Char said. “Boosters are expected to be widely available across the state, and CDC’s mix-and-match policy will allow for additional flexibility. DOH’s first priority will remain encouraging unvaccinated Hawaii residents to complete their initial vaccine series.”
For Moderna vaccine recipients, a single booster dose is recommended for certain populations at least six months after the second dose. Those populations are individuals 65 years and older; individuals age 18-plus who live in long-term care settings; individuals age 18-plus who have underlying medical conditions; and individuals age 18-plus who work or live in high-risk settings.
Moderna booster doses are half of an initial dose.
For Johnson and Johnson vaccine recipients, a single booster dose is recommended for all Johnson and Johnson recipients at least two months after the first dose.
Johnson and Johnson recipients can also elect to receive a single booster dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
Mixing and matching of all U.S.-approved COVID-19 vaccines is allowed.
First and second doses of vaccines will continue to be prioritized over any booster doses.
Individuals unsure if they qualify for a booster should check with their health care provider.