Three COVID-19 vaccines are authorized or approved for use in the United States to prevent COVID-19. Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (COVID-19 mRNA vaccines) are preferred. 

Vaccination remains the safest strategy for protecting against COVID-19. 

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is adopting the most recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding COVID-19 booster shots.

Effective immediately, people who received their first booster shot at least four months ago may receive a second booster shot of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) if:

• They are over the age of 50

• They are 12 or older and have a compromised immune system

• They received primary and booster doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine

“Additional booster shots allow people in these select populations to get extra protection against severe illness. A second booster can be especially beneficial for people 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions,” said State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP.

“About 55% of people in Hawai‘i eligible for their first booster shot have received it. We strongly recommend the other 45% get their booster shot soon. Those now eligible for a second booster should determine the right time to get the extra protection another dose will provide. Anyone unsure about getting a second booster can consult their health care provider,” Char added.

Pediatric doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are now available for children ages 5-11 at Kaiser Permanente, Walmart, and Longs in Kukui Grove, and at  Hoola Lahui.

NOTE: At this time, children younger than 12 years old are not eligible for a booster.

Vaccination protects your child and reduces the likelihood they’ll transmit the virus to family members, friends, and others.

Vaccine recipients must be 5 years old or older on the day of the appointment. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

The vaccine is free. No insurance is needed.

"Because of the rise in hospitalized, unvaccinated children, it’s especially important for children and their household members to be vaccinated,” said Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman. “The vaccine reduces the chances your keiki will get seriously sick if exposed, while reducing the chances your family will have to isolate or quarantine. Although COVID-19 in children is usually milder than in adults, some children become very sick, requiring hospitalization, and some experience long-term health effects."

Kaiser Permanente Lihue Clinic:

Open to everyone ages 5 and older -membership NOT required

Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted, or make an appointment at  https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/hawaii/health-wellness/coronavirus-information/vaccine-appointments

If you're having trouble making an appointment online, call 808-432-2000 (TTY 711)

Walmart Pharmacy Lihue

Open to ages 5 and older, Book an appointment: https://www.wal-mart.com/covid

Longs/CVS Pharmacy Lihue Kukui Grove

Open to everyone ages 5 and older

Appointments are required: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine

NOTE: The other Longs locations on Kauai are offering vaccines to adults only. 

Ho'ola Lahui Hawaii/Kauai Community Health Center

Vaccines are offered in their Waimea and Kapaa clinics and at pop-up events.

Open to everyone ages 5 and older.Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information and to reserve a spot, call (808) 938-0938.

Weekly clinics:

• Waimea (inside KVMH): Tuesdays, 1-4:30 p.m. (by appointment)
• Kapaa (behind Mahelona hospital): Thursdays, 1-4:30 p.m. (by appointment)

Monthly clinics:

• Kapaa (behind Mahelona hospital): Saturday, May 14, 9-11 a.m. (walk-in)
• Waimea (inside KVMH): Saturday, May 14, 9-11 a.m. (walk-in)

Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami is encouraging Kaua‘i parents to get their kids vaccinated or to talk to their pediatricians if they have concerns.

“Vaccines are our path forward and will help keep our keiki and those around them safe,” said Mayor Kawakami. “But we understand it’s a personal decision that should be discussed between family and those you turn to for healthcare needs.”

Make an appointment for a first or second dose or a booster for ages 12 and older at the clinics below.

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.

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

(To make an appointment for children ages 5-11, click here)

Longs Lihue Kukui Grove (Ages 5+, Pfizer only, )  https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine

Longs Koloa, Kapaa, and Eleele (Ages 18+, Moderna)  https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine

Safeway Lihue and Kapaa (12+ Pfizer or 18+ Moderna no pediatric doses at this location) https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html 

Walmart Lihue  (Ages 5+, Pfizer or Moderna) Walk-ins are accepted, or make an appointment: http://www.walmart.com/COVIDvaccine

Costco Lihue (Moderna only, ages 18+). Make an appointment: https://www.costco.com/covid-vaccine.html

Lihue Pharmacy (Moderna only, ages 18+). Clinic open Tuesdays and Fridays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. By appointment only – no walk-ins at this location. To make an appointment, call (808) 246-6900. For more info: https://kauairx.com/covid-19-vaccine-clinic/

Kaiser Permanente Lihue Clinic (Pfizer and Moderna, ages 5+) 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

Hoʽōla Lāhui Hawaiʽi Kauaʽi Community Health Center

Vaccines are offered in their Waimea and Kapaa clinics and at pop-up events.

For more information and to reserve a spot, call (808) 938-0938.

Weekly clinics (by appointment)

• Waimea, inside KVMH) (ages 5+ Pfizer): Tuesdays, 1-4:30 p.m.
• Waimea, inside KVMH (ages 18+ only, Moderna): Wednesdays, 1-4:30 p.m.
• Kapaa, behind Mahelona (ages 18+ only, Moderna): Wednesdays, 1-4:30 p.m.
• Kapaa, behind Mahelona hospital (ages 5+ Pfizer): Thursdays, 1-4:30 p.m.

Monthly clinics (walk in):

• Kapaa, behind Mahelona (ages 5+, Pfizer or Moderna): Saturday, May 14, 9-11 a.m. 
• Waimea, inside KVMH (ages 5+, Pfizer or Moderna): Saturday, May 14, 9-11 a.m. 

 NOTE: Vaccine clinics have CLOSED at Wilcox Medical Center, KVMH, Mahelona Hospital, and Foodland Princeville

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