Vaccine Safety in Pacific Islander Communities

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones. Get Vaccinated.

At the height of the the Covid-19 pandemic, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NHPIs) throughout the nation succumbed to the virus at a higher rate that other demographic groups. Although we make up less than 2% of the Utah population, by July 2000, NHPIs in Utah had 4% of Covid-19 cases, according to the Utah Department of Health. NHPIs in Utah also recorded higher per capita rates of hospitalizations and fatalities—113.9 hospitalizations and 10.1 fatalities for every 1,000 cases—compared with the statewide average of 60 hospitalization and 7.3 fatalities per 1,000 cases.

Covid data provided by the SL County Health Department

Nationwide, NHPIs recorded the highest per capita death rate in 18 of 20 states, having experienced 0.20% of all deaths, while representing only 0.19% of the population.

NTAS hosting a Health Fair at the Siasi Laumalie Ma'oni'oni Church in West Valley City, Utah

Since the Covid pandemic, the NTAS has been at the frontline providing vaccine access and vaccine education to Pacific Islanders in Utah. As flu season approaches, and as a new Covid variant is showing up throughout the country, the NTAS will continue to work with partners to provide access to the latest vaccines to keep our community safe from another wave of loss and grief.