HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The updated COVID-19 vaccine is anticipated to arrive in Hawaii within one to two weeks.
The new Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, approved by the FDA, are available for both adults and children as young as six months old.
Health officials said the updated shots offer protection against the most prevalent COVID-19 variant currently circulating.
“While most cases are now resembling the common cold thanks to these tools, we still need to protect our most vulnerable populations, including older adults and those with chronic health conditions,” said Dr. Jenny Satterberg of Straub Medical Center.
Full protection from the vaccine takes up to two weeks after receiving the shot.
Starting next month, free COVID-19 tests will again be available through the federal government.