State Preparing COVID-19 Vaccination Program 

From Office of the Governor, Oct 22, 2020

…Gov. Ige gave an update on the vaccination distribution plan framework the state has been developing. While he says the best estimates indicate an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine will not be available for months, the state wants to have distribution structures and procedures in place that will allow everyone to be able to access the vaccine as quickly and efficiently as possible. Gov. Ige said, “Epidemiologists who study immunity say at least 60% to 70% of the population need to have immunity to a virus to break the chain of transmission.” He also added, “The impact of our vaccination program and its effectiveness in managing the disease will largely depend upon our ability to allocate and administer the vaccine effectively and efficiently. This is as important as the vaccine itself.”

Lt. Governor Josh Green said, “We’re still refining our vaccination plan, but we felt it was important to share what we are developing and provide a preview of what to expect. This has to be a coordinated effort between the state and counties. It will also require extensive outreach and education to healthcare providers and their patients. Everyone’s kōkua is critical to the success of the vaccination plan, so we must make sure roles and responsibilities are clearly defined.” In a news release, DOH Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char added, “A COVID-19 vaccination has been presented as our ticket to better health and restoration of a sense of normalcy. But it’s incumbent upon the DOH’s Disease Outbreak Control Division Immunization Branch and our partners to lead this initiative and make sure we get this right, starting with using a safe and effective, FDA-approved vaccine.”

The plan outlines four priority groups that would get the vaccine, which will be available in limited supply:

The first group includes high-risk healthcare employees at hospitals, nursing homes or those engaged in home care, and others involved with direct patient care. First responders who have high risk for COVID-19 exposure also fall into this group. Hawai‘i residents of all ages who have underlying health conditions, including those 65 and older who live in congregate settings are also included.

The second priority group includes K-12 teachers and school staff as well as those in essential industries. It also includes those with underlying health conditions that put them at moderately higher risk. People in homeless shelters or group homes with physical or mental disabilities and workers who serve them also fall into this category. People in prisons, jails, detention centers, and similar facilities, and staff who work in these settings as well as all adults age 65 and older also fall within this second priority group.

The third priority group are young adults 18 to 22 years old and children, from newborn to 17 years old. It also includes employees in industries or occupations not in the previous groups that are considered essential but face increased risk of exposure.

The fourth group includes all Hawai‘i residents who did not fall in any of the other priority groups.

The draft still needs to be reviewed and vetted by the Centers for Disease Control. To view an executive summary of plan go to:  https://hawaiicovid19.com/vaccine-plan.

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