HONOLULU — Kaua‘i Medical Clinic-Pediatrics Clinic will be one of the Hawai‘i Pacific Health sites offering the Pfizer’s three-dose COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months through 4 years old.
Parents are able to sign up online at WilcoxHealth.org/Vaccine now for the appointment-only time slots scheduled for multiple dates starting Saturday and Sunday.
The announcement by Hawai‘i Pacific Health said that vaccines will be offered by appointment only at clinics on Kaua‘i and in Honolulu. Another event is planned for next month in West O‘ahu.
This decision follows the announcements by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Hawai‘i Department of Health authorizing certified vaccination providers to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to children younger than age 5.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration had advertisements out last week as well.
“Vaccines continue to offer our best protection against COVID-19, and now, keiki as young as six months old can benefit from that same protection,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char in a Monday DOH release encouraging parents to explore vaccination opportunities. “Parents with questions about COVID-19 vaccines are encouraged to ask their healthcare providers for guidance.”
Parents and legal guardians can visit the HPH website to schedule appointments for the first doses for children younger than 5 years old, first doses and boosters for children ages 5 through 11 years old that will be administered at the Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children on O‘ahu, Wilcox Health’s Kaua‘i Medical Clinic – Pediatric Clinic, and at Kapolei High School.
Appointments are required for keiki vaccines.
“Many parents of young children have eagerly awaited approval of vaccinations for this age group,” said Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman. “Families will be able to provide vaccine protection for the children from six months and older. Mahalo to our healthcare partners for making vaccines available.”
Vaccines at the Kaua‘i Medical Clinic are available from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Patients with appointments are asked to enter through the main entrance and check in at the central registration area.
The consent process for children ages 6 months through 11 years old to receive the vaccine starts with the online registration at WilcoxHealth.org/Vaccine.
A parent or legal guardian must schedule appointments, and by scheduling the appointment, the parent or guardians grants permission for administering the vaccine. Parents or guardians must accompany children to their appointments and will be required to show a photo ID, medical insurance card, and a printed and completed checklist that is available on the HPH website.
HPH recommends dressing children in comfortable clothing for their vaccines. The vaccine is administered in the upper thigh for children 2 years old and young so it is recommended that clothing be loose to allow easy access to the area.
To schedule an appointment at the Kaua‘i Medical Clinic, visit WilcoxHealth.org/Vaccine.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer can be reached
at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
