DOH asks Neighbor Islands to expand vaccine eligibility

With more vaccines coming to Hawaii than in any previous week, the state Department of Health is asking Neighbor Island district health offices to expand eligibility to fill all available slots.

The department said Wednesday that Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char believes the time is right to give the Neighbor Islands more say in how they administer vaccines.

“The state is getting more than 81,000 vaccine doses this week and the federal government is distributing thousands more to Longs Drugs and Safeway,” Char said in a news release. “The combined allocation to Hawaii this week tops 120,000 doses. We want those doses in the correct arms as quickly as possible and believe the Neighbor Islands are situated to get that done.”

Maui has received 79,100 doses to date and is expecting delivery of another 13,480 doses this week, DOH spokesman Brooks Baehr told The Maui News on Tuesday.

DOH will coordinate the designation of who is eligible in each county and continue to determine vaccine eligibility on Oahu. Vaccines on Oahu are currently reserved for those in Phases 1a and 1b as well as people ages 60 and older; those being treated with oxygen for severe respiratory conditions; those on dialysis, chemotherapy or other infusion therapy; and essential workers at hotels, restaurants and bars.

Vaccine eligibility on Oahu will expand Monday to include essential workers in construction, banking and finance, communications, media, retail, information technology, clergy and transportation and logistics.

Eligibility decisions are based on current and projected vaccination numbers, appointment availability and most importantly the amount of vaccines allocated and available, the department said.

Qualified individuals can register online through links posted on hawaiicovid19.com and through health care providers around the state.