For hundreds of families, the long wait to have all members of their ohana vaccinated against COVID-19 ended as Hawaii Pacific Health held two large-scale public vaccination clinics at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children and Kauai Medical Clinic.

A total of 722 children ages 6 months through 11 years received either their first dose or booster shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at HPH facilities this past weekend, including 585 children younger than 5 years old. 

“My wife and I work full-time, and we want to make sure we minimize the risk of infection for everyone in our family,” said Ryan Nakagawa, whose two children were vaccinated at Kapiolani’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic. “We want to make sure everyone is safe and the kids are able to go to school and get the education that they need.”

To date, more than 342,000 COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered through HPH medical centers, the Pier 2 Community Vaccination Center, mobile vaccine clinics on Oahu and Kauai, and Keiki Vax Squad events.

Based on the response of the community to this vaccination effort for Hawaii’s youngest keiki, HPH is offering additional dates to give more families the opportunity for their children to receive their first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination. Staff will help schedule a follow-up appointment for children’s next dose in this three-dose series.

Parents and legal guardians can sign up now for an appointment at one of the following updated events:

Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children
Location: 1319 Punahou St.; check-in will be in the Diamond Head Tower lobby

• Saturday, July 23 – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 13 – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 27 – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kauai Medical Clinic – Pediatrics Clinic
Location: 3-3420 Kuhio Highway, Suite B, in Lihue; use the main entrance to Kauai Medical Clinic and check in at central registration

• Saturday, July 16 – 8 a.m. to noon
• Saturday, Aug. 6 – 8 a.m. to noon
• Saturday, Aug. 27 – 8 a.m. to noon

Kapolei High School
Location: 91-5007 Kapolei Parkway

• Saturday, July 9 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, July 10 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, July 30 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, July 31 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 24 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 25 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition to the three-dose Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months through 4 years, primary vaccine and booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 years will also be available. Appointments are required. 

Vaccine Process and Appointment Scheduling

The consent process for children ages 6 months through 11 years to receive the vaccine begins with the online registration. A parent or legal guardian must schedule appointments.

By scheduling the appointment, the parent or legal guardian grants permission for administering the vaccine. Children must be accompanied to their appointments by a parent or legal guardian who will be required to show an ID at the time of check-in.

To schedule an appointment at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children and Kapolei High School, visit HawaiiPacificHealth.org/COVID19Vaccine.

To schedule an appointment at Kauai Medical Clinic, visit WilcoxHealth.org/Vaccine.

Additional Reminders and Considerations

• Patients should arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment.
• Adults and children older than 2 years are asked to wear masks at all times while inside the facility.
• All children getting vaccinated must be accompanied to their appointment by a parent or legal guardian.
• All parents or legal guardians must bring a photo ID, medical insurance card (if the patient has medical insurance), and a printed and completed checklist, which is available on the HPH website.
• For safety and well-being consideration, patients will be monitored for any side effects by medical personnel for a minimum of 15 minutes after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Tips and Notes for Parents

• Dress children in comfortable clothing. The vaccine is given in the upper thigh for children 2 years and younger, so it is recommended that clothing be loose to allow easy access to the area.
• Adults may prefer to hold their younger children in order to help them remain still while receiving their vaccination.
• Consider bringing a favorite toy, book or item to make the experience less stressful for your child and for you.
• Kapiolani’s Child Life specialists and Ruby, the medical center’s chief canine officer, will be at the Kapiolani COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic during designated times to provide extra comfort for patients.

Staff will be available to answer any questions parents and legal guardians may have, and to schedule a follow-up appointment for the second dose of the Pfizer three-dose series.

For COVID-19 vaccine updates or scheduling options at HPH facilities on Oahu and Kauai, visit HawaiiPacificHealth.org/COVID19Vaccine.