HONOLULU — Following the announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week that allows an additional dose of the bivalent booster against the COVID-19 virus for those at an increased risk of severe infection, the Hawaii Department of Health voiced their support of the latest recommendations in a news release.

What You Need To Know

  • An announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allows for an additional dose of the bivalent booster against the COVID-19 virus for those at an increased risk of severe infection

  • Individuals 6 years and older who have not received a bivalent vaccine dose should receive one, regardless of which vaccine was used for the primary series

  • Adults 65 years and older can now receive a second bivalent vaccine booster dose at least four months after their initial bivalent dose

  • The bivalent vaccine can be used for all primary series and booster doses in adults and children 6 months and older

The same CDC announcement also simplifies vaccination schedules so bivalent vaccines can now be used in the primary vaccination series, as well as boosters.

“These simplified recommendations make it even easier to protect yourself and your family from severe COVID-19 illness and death,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble in the release. “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. This is particularly important for kupuna and people who are immunocompromised.”

The CDC’s recommendation follows an amendment made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on April 18 to the emergency use authorization regarding Moderna and Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 bivalent mRNA vaccines. The recommendations were approved by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Changes include:

  • Individuals 6 years and older who have not received a bivalent vaccine dose should receive one, regardless of which vaccine was used for the primary series.
  • Individuals who have already received a bivalent vaccine booster do not have to take any further action, unless they are 65 years or older or immunocompromised.
  • Adults 65 years and older can now receive a second bivalent vaccine booster dose at least four months after their initial bivalent dose.
  • Individuals who are immunocompromised may receive additional bivalent vaccine booster doses and should consult their health care provider to determine the best timing for additional doses.
  • The bivalent vaccine can be used for all primary series and booster doses in adults and children 6 months and older. The original monovalent COVID-19 mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the U.S., according to the FDA.
  • On April 18, DOH informed all Hawaii COVID-19 vaccine providers of the FDA authorization changes.

“Hawaii has experienced lower COVID mortality than the rest of the country, in part because our residents have been vaccinated and boosted as recommended,” added State Health Director Dr. Kenneth Fink. “We can continue this success by remaining vigilant and following updated recommendations as they are made.”

COVID-19 vaccination guidance is available at vaccines.gov.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.