(BIVN) – There were 3,189 new cases of COVID-19 identified in the State of Hawaiʻi this week, down from the 3,689 reported last week. Of that number, 369 new cases were identified on Hawaiʻi island, down from the 468 cases reported the week before.

The average test positivity rate on Hawaiʻi island this week was 9.8%, a drop from the 10.1% reported the week before.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health reported fourteen (14) deaths with COVID-19 this week.

On the Health Department’s zip code area map showing reported COVID-19 cases with onset dates in the past 14 days, there are twelve (12) zip code areas on the Big Island showing over 11 cases. Zip code areas not listed below have recorded 10 cases or less in 14 days.

• 96720 (Hilo) – 266 cases
• 96749 (Keaʻau) – 78 cases
• 96771 (Puna mauka) – 26 cases
• 96760 (Kurtistown) – 12 cases
• 96778 (Puna makai) – 71 cases
• 96704* (South Kona) – 18 cases
• 96750 (Kealakekua) – 11 cases
• 96740 (Kona) – 86 cases
• 96738 (Waikoloa) – 25 cases
• 96743 (Kohala/Waimea) – 41 cases
• 96727 (Hāmākua) – 26 cases
• 96781 (Pāpaʻikou) – 12 cases

* The 96704 zip code area includes zip code areas 96726.

Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine Available In Hawai‘i

From the Hawaiʻi Department of Health:

The Hawai‘i Department of Health announces scheduling opportunities for the COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Novavax.

Novavax is a two-dose primary series vaccine for individuals 18 and older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends administering the second dose three to eight weeks after the first.

Novavax is a protein subunit vaccine. It includes harmless proteins of the COVID-19 virus that trigger an immune response.

Protein subunit vaccines, which include vaccines for hepatitis B, whooping cough, shingles, and other diseases, have been used in the United States for more than 30 years.

“Novavax gives us another way to protect ourselves from COVID-19. Its arrival is great news for people who are allergic to an ingredient in the mRNA vaccines manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna or those who, for whatever reason, have been reluctant to be vaccinated,” said State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP.

5 Minute Pharmacy on O‘ahu and Safeway Pharmacy in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island offer Novavax vaccinations. Scheduling information for 5 Minute Pharmacy and the Kailua-Kona Safeway is available on the vaccination map at hawaiicovid19.com.

Kaiser Permanente is also offering Novavax in all counties to members and non-members starting Aug. 15, 2022 by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling 808-432-2000.