(Click to expand chart)

by Andrew Walden

COVID vaccinations are having an effect on Hawaii’s infection rate.

COVID cases have been declining since vaccinations began in mid-December, 2020, according to an Hawaii DoH chart. (above)

The cut-off for COVID vaccinations dropped from age 50 to age 16 on April 19, 2021.  Age 12 and above became eligible for Pfizer vaccines starting May 12, 2021.

The chart shows new infections declining among the oldest, most vaccinated age groups.  But age 0-17 (represented by dark blue line) is now at its highest peak since late August, 2020.  This youngest age bracket had been the least likely to test positive almost ever week since July, 2020—but now they are second highest—surpassed only by the 18-44 age group.

DoH does not break out demographics from COVID-negative tests, but, as older residents are vaccinated, they are probably less likely to get tested. 

Does the surge in 0-17 COVID cases reflect an age shift in COVID testing  --  or a new wave of infections which has been tamped down by high inoculation rates among kupuna?

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HNN: Despite Hawaii’s high vaccination rate, daily COVID case counts aren’t dropping as expected

TIMELINE:

• October 23, 2020: Ige Announces Vaccine Rationing Plan
• December 10, 2020: COVID Vax Approved: Hawaii to get 81,000 doses for December
• December 14, 2020: First 975 COVID Vaccines Arrive in Hawaii – Health Workers vaccinated 
• January 9, 2021: Privileged Elite: Kauai School Employees Begin Getting Vaccinations Monday
• January 9, 2021: Sign up Here: Hospitals Start Vaccinating Age 75+
• January 13, 2021: COVID Vaccine Now Available on Big Island for Age 75+
• January 15, 2021: Kauai: Vaccine for Age 75+ Begins Jan 15--Sign up here
• January 25, 2021: Legislature Stages Vaccination Party for 500 Cronies and Insiders
• February 20, 2021: COVID Vax to be Available for Age 70+
• March 3, 2021: At this time, more than 24,000 doses of vaccine have been administered on Kaua‘i
• March 4, 2021: Vaccinations for age 70 and older begin Monday, March 8
• March 11, 2021: Pharmacists Vaccinate 90% of Patients in Care Homes on Oahu, Big Island
• March 11, 2021: Vaccinations for Age 65+ and Tourism Industry Workers Begin Monday
• March 23, 2021: Age 65+ Dial 211 to Schedule COVID Vax  
• March 25, 2021: 12 COVID cases reported in fully vaccinated individuals in Hawaii, DOH says
• March 26, 2021: Molokai Walk-In Vax Age 18+
• March 29, 2021: Vaccination eligibility expands to people age 60 and older 
• April 15, 2021: 38 fully vaccinated in Hawaii still got coronavirus, slightly above national rate
• April 19, 2021: Statewide Vax for Age 16+ Begins
• May 10, 2021: Hoping to Get COVID, many Hawaii inmates not getting vaccine
• May 11, 2021: Hawaii Among Top Vaccination States—Over 70% have one shot
• May 12, 2021: Pfizer Vax Now Available for Age 12+