COVID-19 vaccines are currently available in Hawaii for all residents starting at age 12, according to the State of Hawaii COVID Portal. The Pfizer vaccine is the only option available to those 18 and under.

Kalani High School hosted a Hawaii Pacific Health vaccine clinic on campus on May 19 for staff, students, and family members aged 12 and older; there will be another clinic on June 9. According to the Kalani Parent Bulletin, 351 people with appointments received shots, in addition to 11 walk-ins. Of those, 186 Kalani students and 186 other students received their first shots.

According to the CDC, studies indicate that COVID-19 vaccines are “safe and effective” for children. The CDC website lists side effects for children similar to those that adults may experience. They caution that side effects may affect one’s ability to do daily activities, but say that they will “go away in a few days.”

“COVID-19 vaccines have been used under the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history, including studies in children 12 years and older,” the CDC website says. “Your child cannot get COVID-19 from any COVID-19 vaccine.”