COVID-19 vaccinations for keiki ages 5 to 11 are underway on the Big Island.
KTA Pharmacy began offering youngsters in that age group the Pfizer vaccine during its walk-in clinic held Friday at KTA Express in Kealakekua. A number of children ages 5 to 11 came out to get the shot just a few days after the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state Department of Health each signed off on the two-dose vaccine.
“It was the first one (after the announcement), so we decided let’s take it out and see what happens,” said KTA Director of Pharmacies Kerri Okamura.
While there was little time for word to get out that shots were available to more children during the Friday clinic, “30-something” kids younger than age 12 came out — with a parent or legal guardian in tow — to get their first Pfizer shot, which is 10 micrograms, one-third the dose used for adults. The next clinic at the Kealakekua store is slated from 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 26, during which second shots and first shots will be offered on a walk-in basis.
KTA again offers keiki vaccinations today at its mass walk-in clinic from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Old Kona Airport in Kailua-Kona. Okamura said the company is working with Hawaii County to change the time for future clinics to accommodate school schedules, and hopes to hold its Kona clinic from 2 to 6 p.m. starting next week.
“We’re excited that we can finally vaccinate our keiki, and get them, hopefully, back to school and not having to worry so much so that they get on with life,” Okamura said.
KTA also plans to offer vaccinations to the age group and the general public from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph High School in Hilo, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 20, at Waiakea High School. A mass vaccination clinic is planned 2 to 6 p.m. Friday at Edith Kanaka‘ole Tennis Stadium in Hilo.
“We wanted to have these clinics, because there are not enough appointments available at our pharmacies,” said Okamura. “For our upcoming clinics, we have the opportunity to make it a fun event, so it’s a friendlier atmosphere for young kids.”
KTA Pharmacy in Waikoloa Village is offering vaccinations for children ages 5 t0 11 by appointment only, she said.
In addition to the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11, KTA offers the regular two-dose Pfizer shot persons 12 and older, and the two-dose Moderna and single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccines to adults ages 18 and older. Booster shots are also available to those who meet criteria.
For more information on COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, to make appointments and register for KTA clinics, visit https://www.ktasuperstores.com/pharmacy-covid-19-vaccinations.
Meanwhile, The Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea opened vaccinations to residents as young as 5 years old on Monday afternoon. Pfizer vaccinations will be offered to kids ages 5 to 11 from 1 to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with no appointment necessary. A parent or guardian must accompany a child throughout the vaccination and observation process. Those 12 and older can receive the vaccine from 7 a.m. to noon on those days.
Also in North Hawaii, Hamakua-Kohala Health is offering the approved Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11, as well as Pfizer and Moderna for other eligible persons at its offices in Waimea, Honokaa and Kapaau. Vaccinations are by appointment, which can be made by calling (808) 930-2751.
West Hawaii Community Health Center planned to meet today to discuss plans and will release additional information thereafter. The center, which partners with Bay Clinic, will offer the vaccine for keiki ages 5 to 11 during its mass vaccination clinic slated 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 18 at Kona Community Aquatic Center in Kailua-Kona.
CVS said it began offering vaccinations to children ages 5 to 11 on Sunday at 10 stores across the state, but did not specify which locations were offering inoculations. Kaiser is offering shots by appointment for its members at clinics in Hilo, Waimea and Kona.
In addition, more than 130 public, private and charter schools in the state are offering vaccinations to keiki ages 5 to 11, according to Brooks Baehr, Department of Health spokesman. Schools will not be listed online, because most vaccines will be limited to students.
“If you’re a parent and you’re wondering if your school will be offering the vaccine, the best way to get information would be directly from the school,” Baehr said. “We want parents to feel comfortable with this decision, so if they have questions, we encourage them to reach out to their doctor or pediatrician to get the best information for their child.”
More than 100 public schools are registered to host vaccination clinics in the coming weeks, according to the state Department of Education. There were approximately 83,000 students enrolled in public schools who are in the 5- to 11-year-old age range as of the start of the 2021-22 school year.
On Monday, the first elementary school-based clinic was hosted at Kalihi Uka Elementary School on Oahu. Several dozen students received shots, according to the state.
Although highly encouraged, COVID-19 vaccinations are not mandatory for students to attend school, the DOE said. However, students and staff who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine if they are exposed to COVID-19 and have no symptoms.
The state initially is receiving 41,700 doses of the Pfizer vaccine for children 5-11. The shots will be distributed to hospitals, community health centers, pop-up clinics and schools. Pharmacies will receive their doses directly from the federal government.
“41,700 is about 35% of the population of keiki 5 to 11 years old, so we feel confident in our current supply,” Baehr said. “We will monitor the numbers and continue to order doses as needed.”
Kona Community Hospital will not administer keiki vaccines or booster doses, said Judy Donovan, regional director of marketing and strategic planning.
“We do not have the resources or bandwidth to ramp up for another round of vaccine clinics. However, we are supportive of the efforts of our community partners who are holding vaccine clinics. We’re confident that the plan that is in place will ensure that vaccines are readily available for anyone wanting one for their keiki,” she said.
More information about COVID-19 vaccinations for keiki, as well as provider locations, can be found at https://hawaiicovid19.com/vaccine/.
Hawaii Tribune-Herald staff contributed to this report.