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Phase 1b was supposed to include only “frontline” essential workers but it has largely been left to interpretation.

In the absence of official guidance on how to distribute extra COVID-19 vaccines, two Hawaii hospitals are prioritizing employees’ families.

Health officials stressed that a few “breakthrough” cases are expected because the vaccines, though potent, are not 100% effective.

The expansion comes as President Biden calls for all adults to get a COVID-19 vaccine by May 1.

Many patients known as long-haulers have lost jobs or been forced by fatigue and sickness to work greatly reduced hours.

Meanwhile, another case of the U.K. variant was confirmed in an Oahu resident who had traveled to Las Vegas.

The rest of the state remains in phase 1b allowing only medical workers, people 75 and older and those who work in critical industries to get the shots.

Dr. Adam Robinson wants the VA and the Army to better combine resources to help more patients since they already share the medical center in Honolulu.

The first shipments of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have arrived, and state health officials are moving faster than planned to include more people.

The state Department of Health in January provided tests from its large stockpile for the Big Island program, credited by county officials as keeping case numbers low, but now says it’s not a suitable use.