The state Department of Health is now recommending an additional dose of the bivalent booster against COVID-19 for those over the age of 65 and those at increased risk of severe infection.
The decision came after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidelines Wednesday.
The DOH is recommending the bivalent vaccines — which target both the original strain and the omicron subvariants — be used for all primary vaccinations and boosters.
“These simplified recommendations make it even easier to protect yourself and your family from severe COVID-19 illness and death,” State Epidemiologist Sarah Kemble said in statement. “COVID-19 is still circulating, and we have seen a recent rise in hospitalizations. We had 10 COVID-19 deaths reported in the last week. It is definitely worth it to get a booster dose now, if you are eligible.”
The new guidelines recommend that everyone 6 years and older who has not received a bivalent vaccine dose should receive one, regardless of what vaccine was used for their primary series.
“The recommendation is for everybody to get a bivalent booster depending on what your vaccination history was,” said KTA Pharmacy Manager Megan Arbles. “There’s no longer a recommendation to give any monovalent doses, so those have all been pulled from the shelves.”
Arbles added the bivalent vaccine is available at all KTA Pharmacy locations.
Those who already received a bivalent vaccine booster do not need to take any action at this time, unless they are 65 or older or immunocompromised.
Those 65 and older can receive a second bivalent vaccine booster dose at least four months after their initial bivalent dose.
People who are immunocompromised may receive additional bivalent vaccine booster doses, but should consult their health care provider to determine the best timing for an additional dose.
Bivalent vaccines will be used for all primary series and booster doses in adults and children 6 months and older.
The original monovalent, mRNA COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be recommended for use in the U.S.
“Hawaii has experienced lower COVID mortality than the rest of the country, in part because our residents have been vaccinated and boosted as recommended,” State Health Director Kenneth Fink in statement. “We can continue this success by remaining vigilant and following updated recommendations as they are made.”
An additional chart to help with vaccine eligibility can be found on the KTA Pharmacy website at: https://tinyurl.com/2bkcr9e6.