COVID-19 Vaccine - Kauai.gov

COVID-19 Vaccine: Get the Facts

The Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine is authorized for ages 12+ and the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for ages 18+. You can choose which vaccine you want by clicking here.

You do NOT need health insurance - the federal government is providing the vaccine free of charge to all people living in the United States, regardless of their immigration or health insurance.

Walk-ins are welcome at most locations.

Health officials encourage all Kauai residents age 12 and older to get vaccinated as soon as possible and help stop community spread of COVID-19. Most of Kauai's recent cases have been unvaccinated.

Booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine are available for ages 65 and older, or adults with underlying health conditions or who are at high risk for occupational or institutional exposure. If you are in one of these groups, boosters are available six months or later after your second Pfizer dose. NOTE: Booster doses are not currently available for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson recipients, pending CDC approval.

For more information about Booster Vaccines and Third Doses for Immunocompromised Individuals, please click here

Kupuna in need of assistance with the online appointment systems can call the Agency on Elderly Affairs at (808) 241-4470 and they can help.

Headshot of Dr. Janet Berreman, M.D., M.P.H.

Kauai District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman, M.D. MPH

“Unvaccinated residents continue to bear the greatest burden of COVID disease, hospitalizations, and deaths. Vaccines are free, safe, effective, and widely available on Kaua‘i. If you are not already vaccinated, please consider getting your first dose as soon as possible. When each of us is protected, our community is protected.

Vaccinated people can still get infected, but this happens at much lower rates than among unvaccinated folks, and their disease is much more mild. Getting a vaccine is kind of like wearing a seatbelt in a car – it’s not a guarantee you won’t get injured, but you’re a lot safer, and much less likely to die, with your seatbelt on.”

For COVID-19 testing information, click here

For answers to frequently asked questions about the vaccines, please click here.

Hoʽōla Lāhui Pop-up Clinics

Free pop-up clinics operated by Hoʻōla Lāhui are open to ages 12 and older. They offer a choice of the Comirnaty vaccine (Pfizer) for ages 12 and older, the Moderna vaccine for ages 18 and older, and the Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine for ages 18 and older. No appointment is needed. Minors ages 12-17 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Kanuikapono Public Charter School, Anahola: Saturday, October 16, 1-4 p.m.
Kaumakani Hall: Saturday, October 16, 9-11 a.m.
Isenberg Park, Līhuʻe: Saturday, October 23, 9-11 a.m.
Kekaha Neighborhood Center: Saturday, October 30, 9-11 a.m.
Kanuikapono Public Charter School Anahola: Saturday, November 6, 9-11 a.m.

Telephone assistance is available from Hoʽōla Lāhui at (808) 938-0938.

The van will return to the same locations three weeks later to administer 2nd doses of the Comirnaty (Pfizer) or Moderna vaccine.

The County of Kaua‘i thanks the Kauai District Health Office, Hoʽōla Lāhui, Wilcox Medical Center, and Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation for working together to offer these free clinics for Kaua‘i.

Kauaʽi Mobile Vaccine Clinic

The Kauaʻi Mobile Vaccine Clinics are open for walk-in vaccinations for individuals ages 12 and older. The Comirnaty (formerly Pfizer) vaccine (2 doses for ages 12+), Moderna vaccine (2 doses for ages 18+) and Johnson & Johnson vaccine (1 dose for ages 18+) will all be offered at no cost. Third doses for qualifying individuals will also be available. Minors ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Līhuʻe Neighborhood Center: Friday, October 15, noon to 3 p.m.
Wainiha Country Market: Saturday, October 16, noon to 3 p.m.
Anahola Marketplace: Thursday, October 21, noon to 3 p.m.
Anaina Hou Community Park, Kīlauea: Friday, October 22, noon to 4:30 p.m.
Hanalei Neighborhood Center: Saturday, October 23, noon to 3 p.m.
Kapa ‘a Neighborhood Center: Thursday, October 28, noon to 3 p.m.
Hanapēpē Neighborhood Center: Friday, October 29, noon to 3 p.m.
Hanalei Neighborhood Center: Saturday, October 30, noon to 3 p.m.

No appointments are needed, it is walk-in only. Vaccine recipients must be at least 12 years old. Those under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by a parent or a guardian, who will need to sign a consent form. Please bring a picture I.D. and an insurance card, if you have one.

The mobile vaccine clinic is a collaboration between the County of Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation and Wilcox Medical Center.

For more information, visit http://WilcoxHealth.org/Vaccine

Pharmacies, Clinics, and Hospitals

Many pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals offer free walk-in vaccines.

Comirnaty Vaccine (formerly known as Pfizer): Ages 12+

First and second doses, and booster shots for qualified individuals.

Longs Līhu‘e seven days a week, with appointments available as late as 8 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted, or make an appointment: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine

Safeway Līhu‘e seven days week, with appointments during business hours. Walk-ins are accepted, or make an appointment: https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html [10% off your next grocery purchase. Restrictions apply. Visit pharmacy for details]

Kaiser Permanente Līhu‘e Clinic Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed noon to 1 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted, or make an appointment: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/hawaii/health-wellness/coronavirus-information/vaccine-appointments

Wilcox Medical Center in Līhu‘e. Open Monday, October 4; Wednesday, October 6; Thursday, October 7, and Friday, October 8, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted for first and second doses; appointment required for all third doses. Located in Conference Rooms B/C. Make an appointment: http://WilcoxHealth.org/Vaccine

Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital (KVMH) in Waimea. Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in front of the clinic. Walk-ins only, no appointments necessary.

Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital in Kapa‘a. Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the auditorium. Walk-ins only, no appointments necessary.

Hoʽōla Lāhui clinics in Waimea and Kapa‘a. For the latest schedule, call (808) 938-0938

Please get both doses at the same location to ensure you receive the same vaccine and your two doses are registered in the same system for a complete vaccination record.

Moderna Vaccine: Ages 18+

NOTE: Booster doses are not currently available for Moderna recipients, pending CDC approval.

Safeway Kapa‘a seven days a week, with appointments during business hours. Walk-ins are accepted, or make an appointment: https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html

Longs Kōloa and Kapaʻa seven days a week with appointments available as late as 8 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted, or make an appointment: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine

Longs ʻEleʻele Monday-Saturday, with appointments available as late as 7 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted, or make an appointment: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine

Walmart seven days a week, with appointments available as late as 7 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted, or make an appointment: http://www.walmart.com/COVIDvaccine

Costco Monday-Friday. Walk-ins are accepted, or make an appointment: https://www.costco.com/covid-vaccine.html

Līhu‘e Pharmacy Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. By appointment only – no walk-ins at this location. To make an appointment, call (808) 246-9100, or (808) 246-6900, or (808) 245-3800. For more info: https://kauairx.com/covid-19-vaccine-clinic/

Hoʽōla Lāhui clinics in Waimea and Kapa‘a. For the latest schedule, call (808) 938-0938

Please get first and second doses at the same location to ensure you receive the same vaccine and your doses are registered in the same system for a complete vaccination record.

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine: Ages 18+ (one dose)

NOTE: Booster doses are not currently available for Johnson & Johnson recipients, pending CDC approval.

Hoʽōla Lāhui clinics in Waimea and Kapa‘a. For the latest schedule, call (808) 938-0938

Request Department of Health Vaccine Van for Community Events

Businesses, organizations, and individuals can request a mobile vaccine van to offer free vaccines to adults 18+ at community gatherings and functions. Submit your request by visiting https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CBQCWY7 or by calling the Kaua‘i District Health Office on weekdays from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 241-3495.

Booster Vaccines for Selected Individuals

On September 24, 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved vaccine booster doses for certain individuals, but not for everyone.

The current approval is only for people who got the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine. If you got Moderna or Johnson & Johnson, scientific reviews are underway and booster recommendations are expected in the weeks to come.

Booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine are available for:

Ages 65 and older
Adults with underlying health conditions or who are at high risk for occupational or institutional exposure.

If you are in one of these groups, boosters are available six months or later after your second Pfizer dose.

NOTE: Booster doses are not currently available for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson recipients, pending CDC approval.

The Hawai‘i Department of Health continues to prioritize first and second doses. Booster doses provide additional protection, but the primary two-dose series protects vaccinated individuals against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. You are still considered fully vaccinated 14 days after your second dose.

If you are unsure if you need a booster, please contact your doctor.

Third Dose for Immunocompromised Individuals

On August 13, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced its recommendation endorsing the use of a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (Pfizer’s Comirnaty vaccine or the Moderna vaccine) for immunocompromised individuals. This is limited to people with moderate to severely compromised immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients, those undergoing treatment for cancer, or those who are diagnosed with conditions that have caused an equivalent level of weakened immune system.

(More people qualify for “booster shots,” see above)

Those eligible must have received their second dose at least 28 days prior to receiving a third dose.

Immunocompromised individuals are eligible for a third dose 28 days or more after receiving their second dose. Additional information about the medical conditions recognized for eligibility for a third dose is available on the CDC’s website at the following link: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html

If you are unsure if you qualify for a third dose, please contact your doctor.

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs



1. Why Should I Be Vaccinated Against COVID-19? 2. How Do We Know That These Vaccines Are Safe? 3. Can the Vaccine Make Me Sick? 4. Can I Catch COVID-19 From the Vaccine? 5. Is There Anyone Who Should Not Get the Vaccine? 6. How Many Doses Does the Vaccine Require? 7. How Effective Is the COVID-19 Vaccine? 8. What Is the Cost to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine? 9. I Got My First Dose of the Comirnaty (Pfizer) or Moderna Vaccine but Missed My Second Dose. Is It Too Late? 10. Once I Have Received the Vaccine, Do I Still Have to Worry About Catching COVID-19? How Long Will the Protection Last After Vaccination? Can I Stop Wearing a Mask and Avoiding Close Contact With Others After I Have Been Vaccinated? 11. I Received My First Dose of the Pfizer or Moderna Vaccine but I Am Going To Be off Island When My Second Dose Is Due. What Should I Do? 12. I Have Received the Vaccine. Am I Now Exempt From Travel Quarantine Requirements? 13. I Was Turned Away at a Department of Health Clinic Because I Had a Contra-Indication To Receiving the Vaccine in a Mass Vaccination Clinic. Am I Eligible To Receive the Vaccine Elsewhere? 14. I Lost My Vaccine Card — Can I Get a Replacement? 15. Do Visitors to Kauai Who Meet the Current Allocation Criteria Qualify To Receive the Vaccine?