HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) recommends use of the new 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines newly approved and authorized by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration, to protect against the most common forms of COVID-19 in Hawai‘i. The new vaccines address the XBB-lineages of the Omicron variant that accounts for 99% of COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i.The new 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines 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. “By getting the new 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine, you are taking steps to help minimize the spread of disease in our communities.
This is especially important as we approach the holiday season.”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.