Kealakehe High School held a vaccine clinic Friday, the deadline for student-athletes to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if they want to participate once the fall season restarts Sept. 24.
The clinic was a collaboration between West Hawaii Community Health Center, Bay Clinic and the high school, providing the Pfizer vaccine, the only vaccine currently approved for children age 12 and older. Although specifically scheduled for athletes, the entire student body and parents were invited to participate.
Student Activities Coordinator James Young said letters were sent out to all parents and a follow-up email sent to all students encouraging them to pre-register for the event. At the start of the clinic Friday, 85 individuals were expected to receive the shot.
Each student who was vaccinated received a bento lunch from Nephi’s Smokehouse, a carton of juice from Meadow Gold and a Target or Oshima’s gift card.
Dr. Lee-Ann Heely from WHCHC called the effort a true amazing community partnership. Bay Clinic stepped up to lead the vaccination effort because they offer the Pfizer vaccine. WHCHC provided blood pressure and blood glucose screening.
Bay Clinic will return on Sept. 11 at Kona Commons to administer the second dose.
Erin Samura, Bay Clinic COVID coordinator, said the clinic has been vaccinating student-athletes around the island and stressed the importance of the vaccine.
“Get your vaccination for yourself, your family and your whole community,” she advised. “Those that can need to get it to protect those who cannot.”
Wally Lau, WHCHC cultural liaison, said the community needs to take the lead in bringing COVID numbers down. A coordinated effort will bring The Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital to Kona on Aug. 26 for a testing/vaccination clinic at the Kona Community Aquatics Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for four consecutive weeks. They are working with community partners to bring more testing and vaccination clinics to West Hawaii.
“We are blessed to have these amazing resources,” said Lau.