HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR_2021-11-02Vaccinesnowavailableforkeiki5-11yearsoldDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: November 2, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
SARAH K. BLANE, CHIEF OF STAFF
(808) 241-4900
Vaccines now available for keiki 5-11 years old
LĪHU‘E – 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 today, 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.
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.
Mayor Derek S. K. 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,” said
Mayor Kawakami. “But we understand it’s a personal decision that should be discussed between family
and those you turn to for healthcare needs.”
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.
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