HONOLULU (KHON2) — Another wave of COVID is sending people to hospitals including newborns. If you’re wondering if you should wait for the updated vaccine, health experts say no.
The Department of Health’s (DOH) COVID Dashboard shows 1,359 new COVID cases and six reported deaths statewide in the past week. According to the Healthcare Association of Hawaii (HAH), Hawaii hasn’t seen this level of positive hospitalizations since 2022 during the pandemic.
Doctors like Brit Reis, Medical Director of Reis Pediatrics, believe COVID is more widespread in the community than people realize.
“Also seeing more young babies where we do more of a fever workup,” stated Dr. Reis. “They’re coming up positive for COVID. We’ve also seen moms coming in who are really surprised to find out that they’re positive for COVID.”
Despite the rise in cases, vaccination rates has dropped significantly according to HAH President & CEO Hilton Raethel.
“It’s nowhere near as available as what it was maybe 12 months ago or 18 months ago,” said Raethel.
An updated vaccine will be available in early fall, per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Reis expects the new vaccine to be available in her office by September. Until then, health experts say you don’t need the newest version to stay protected.
“The current vaccines are still effective. They shouldn’t wait for the new formulation to come out,” said Raethel.
Although vaccines and testing kits are no longer federally funded, you may still be eligible to get them financially covered.
“That doesn’t mean that the insurance or the Medicare, Medicaid or commercial will not cover it so they should check with their physicians,” said Raethel.