LIHU‘E — Kupuna, or the elderly ages 75 years and older, need an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccinations that start Friday at Wilcox Medical Center, states an announcement from Hawai‘i Pacific Health.
The first clinic is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Additional clinic dates include Tuesday, Jan. 19, Thursday, Jan. 21 and Friday, Jan. 22, all from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In conjunction with the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan, Wilcox Medical Center will start administering the Pfizer vaccine. The clinics will be open to patients of Wilcox Medical Center, Kaua‘i Medical Clinic and the general public.
“We are pleased to be able to offer these community vaccination clinics to our kupuna who continue to be among the most vulnerable populations to COVID-19,” said Jen H. Chahanovich, president and CEO of Wilcox Medical Center and CEO of Kaua‘i Medical Clinic.
“As we look ahead, further vaccine clinics are in the works for other groups based on state guidelines. The vaccine is an important tool in the fight against COVID-19 to help keep our community well. We encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to get it when it is available to them.”
To start the appointment process, kupuna and their caregivers can complete the online appointment-request form at wilcoxhealth.org/vaccine. A representative will follow up to schedule an appointment.
Patients of Wilcox and Kaua‘i Medical Clinic who have a MyChart by Hawai‘i Pacific Health account will also be sent a notification through MyChart when they are able to sign up for an appointment. Patients who do not already have an account are encouraged to create one online at mychart.hawaiipacifichealth.org, as that will be the easiest way to schedule an appointment.
Walk-ins for the vaccination will not be taken.
People with appointments for the vaccine should use the side entrance to Wilcox Medical Center next to the Infusion Center when arriving.
Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waimea and Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital in Kapa‘a, both making up the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation Kaua‘i Region, will also offer vaccination clinics for kupuna ages 75 years and older, on Friday, Tuesday, Jan. 19, and Friday, Jan. 22, from 8 a.m. to noon each day.
Appointments for the vaccine are required, and to get started, visit kauai.hhsc.org. Additional working days are required for processing.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
