This message was shared with the faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on January 27, 2021.
The University of Hawaiʻi has offered to assist with vaccinating our community in accord with the State of Hawaiʻi priorities. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has initially focused on the highest priority population such as first responders, long-term care facility residents and staff, direct health care personnel and those over 75 years of age. Vaccine supplies have not met expectations and the supply chain remains uncertain and unpredictable, which presents additional challenges to DOH planning.
Some UH personnel and volunteers have been assisting with DOH vaccinations at UH locations around the islands and UH conducted one day of vaccination for 600 of our health care personnel and volunteers.
To date, there is no firm plan for a UH-specific vaccination program. Thank you to those of you who completed the survey that was sent out earlier this month. The information provided can be used either for a future UH-specific vaccination program or in collaboration with the DOH when they determine that they are ready to administer vaccinations to the UH community. In the meantime, anyone who has the opportunity to be vaccinated as directed by DOH should. More information is available at https://hawaiicovid19.com/vaccine/.
Mahalo for your time and attention,
The University of Hawaiʻi
