‘Tis the Season for Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory viruses are known to circulate year-round in Hawai'i, but they tend to be more active in the fall - and this season is no exception.

The Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) Disease Outbreak Control Division tracks COVID-19, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity, and publishes a weekly report on its website to keep island residents aware and informed of virus activity and trends.

So far this season, DOH has seen an increase in overall respiratory virus activity, particularly the flu. In response, DOH encourages the public to take common-sense precautions : Get recommended vaccines, stay home when sick, practice good hygiene and get tested and treated as recommended by your personal physician.

Governor Green also took steps to ensure that Hawaiʻi residents continue to have ready access to COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. His recent proclamation maintains pharmacists' ability to order and administer these vaccines without a prescription.

For most people, a respiratory illness may be a nuisance, disrupting school and family schedules. But for others, an illness can be serious.

People at increased risk for severe respiratory illness include kūpuna, young children, pregnant people, people with weakened immune systems and people with certain underlying medical conditions. People who live with, or regularly care for someone at higher risk, should also take additional precautions to reduce the likelihood of spreading illness.

The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA), which includes Hawaiʻi, recently issued its 2026-2027 respiratory virus season immunization recommendations. WCHA recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone six months and older, as well as updated COVID-19 vaccinations for specific higher-risk populations.

These recommendations include people who are planning to become pregnant, are currently pregnant or have recently given birth. In addition, healthcare workers and others who live or work closely with individuals at higher risk, such as kūpuna, should also consider vaccination to reduce the risk of severe illness among those populations.

Governor Green and DOH encourage Hawaiʻi families to review their vaccination records and talk with their healthcare providers about which vaccines are recommended for them. By taking this simple step, we can help protect our loved ones and build a healthier, more resilient Hawaiʻi.

Links to Resources:

DOH Vaccines & Immunizations - https://health.Hawai'i.gov/docd/vaccines-immunizations/

School Health Requirements - https://health.Hawai'i.gov/docd/vaccines-immunizations/school-health-requirements/sy-20-21/

Vaccines for Children Program - https://health.Hawai'i.gov/docd/about-us/programs/vaccines-for-children/

Immunization FAQs - https://health.Hawai'i.gov/docd/vaccines-immunizations/school-health-requirements/faqs/

Adult Immunization Information - https://health.Hawai'i.gov/docd/vaccines-immunizations/recommendations-by-age/adults/