Lt. Gov. Josh Green received his first dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine at Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu this morning.
Green, an emergency room physician on Hawaii Island, is categorized as a health care worker in Phase 1a of the COVID-19 distribution plan in Hawaii.
Green’s health care colleagues on the Big Island, including those at Hilo Medical Center, will receive vaccines this week as well.
“As a health care worker, it was my turn to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and I felt it was important to lead by example,” Green said in a written statement. “I want to show the people of Hawaii that both the currently available vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna, are effective and safe and that I was willing to take it myself.
“I encourage every person to get the vaccine when it’s their turn. We can’t let our guard down now, but it is a tremendous relief to have a COVID-19 vaccine. It’s a symbol of hope for many people.”
Green was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Sept. 11 and recovered after experiencing mild-to-moderate symptoms.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance generally states individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 should receive the vaccine about 90 days following recovery.
Green will receive his second Pfizer dose in mid-January, 21 days following his first shot.
There were 66 new COVID-19 cases reported today in Hawaii, including six on the Big Island.