Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines targeting multiple variants, including omicron and elements of BA.5, could be arriving in Hawaii as early as next month, pending federal approval.
Both Moderna and Pfizer have submitted applications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use authorization for bivalent vaccines.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet Thursday and Friday, and with approval, shipments could come just a few days after.
“The timeline is really moving up,” said Department of Health Director Libby Char during a livestream with the Honolulu Star Advertiser on Friday. “We have placed preorders already.”
There will be two waves of orders for distribution to states, and Hawaii could be receiving upwards of 38,000 doses, according to Char — roughly 10,500 doses of Moderna and 27,300 doses of Pfizer for waves one and two.
“(This) week we will submit our wave two preorder,” she said. “So, we expect to have it statewide as soon as we can, and I’m hearing at this point, it should be early September.”
Following initial distribution, Char estimates the state could order additional doses every couple of weeks.
“The pharmacies and federally qualifying health centers have been able to preorder doses on their own,” said Char, estimating the total number of early doses will be higher than the 38,000 total.
The Pfizer vaccine likely will be available to those age 12 and older, and Moderna’s for those age 18 and older, although priorities regarding early distribution have not yet been announced.
“We’re still waiting to hear whether the CDC is going to put any sort of restrictions on it, or if they’re just going to leave it up to the states,” she said.
Distribution will differ from previous vaccines and boosters, as added federal funding for COVID-19 has not been approved.
“We do have some funding still for COVID, but we’re not getting anything additional,” Char said. “When the vaccine comes, we will use it to the best of our ability and get it out there, but it’s not going to be enough for everybody upfront.”
Char confirmed the DOH is not planning to do vaccine campaigns at the same scale it has done in the past due to the decreased funding.
“We’re going to have to figure out how best to vaccinate those that really need it first,” she said. “What we’re looking at is to get it as widely dispersed as we can into health care in our community, to make sure that on every island people have access to it.”
So far, 77% of people in Hawaii have completed an initial vaccine regimen, and almost 45% of residents have received their first booster. Only 11.5% have been double boosted.
“Keep in mind that only those 50 and older and those immunocompromised are eligible for the second booster,” said Char.
She confirmed flu shots will continue to be a se parate inoculation, and encouraged residents to schedule an appointment.
“The bivalent for COVID refers to two different strains of COVID, so flu shots will be separate,” she said. “Go get your flu shot this year because we’re seeing more and more of that, as well, with less people wearing masks. In general. we’re going to see more and more respiratory illnesses as people are out and about.”
Email Grant Phillips at gphillips@hawaiitribune-herald.com.