The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has recommended the use of the new 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines which were newly approved and authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The new vaccines, which address the XBB-lineages of the Omicron variant that accounts for 99% of COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i, replace the previously approved/authorized Bivalent mRNA vaccines.

“The authorization of the new 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines comes at a good time. We are seeing increased numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations,” said State Health Director Dr. Kenneth S. Fink in a press release.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval and authorization of updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine formulations on Monday, September 11, 2023. On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines for all persons 6 months of age and older.

For persons 5 years of age and older, the new 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines are to be administered as a single dose, at least two months since a person’s last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.

Children under the age of 5, recommended doses and vaccination schedule will vary depending on the child’s previous vaccination history and vaccine brand administered.

For children 6 months through 18 years of age, the new, updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines will be available through the Vaccines For Children Program, as well as health insurance coverage for zero out-of-pocket cost. The new, updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines should be available wherever children currently receive their other routine childhood immunizations.

Unlike previous COVID-19 vaccines, the new vaccines are not being exclusively distributed by the U.S. Government to vaccination providers. They will be available through traditional pathways for purchase, distribution, and payment, including health insurance coverage.

Persons seeking vaccination may search for 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine providers on the Vaccines.gov – Find COVID‑19 vaccine locations near you website. For uninsured and underinsured adults, the website will be updated to include a filter feature to identify locations participating in the Bridge Access Program.