Question: My doctor is out of the flu vaccine, and the Longs in the Mililani area is also out. Where can I get a shot?
Answer: The state Department of Health has a list of sites where flu shots are being given, mostly Longs Drugs Stores and Times Super Markets.
Go to www.flu.hawaii.gov and click on “vaccine locator.”
No appointments are required, but you are advised to call the locations in advance regarding the availability of the vaccine, insurance coverage and cost.
At this point in the flu season, the vaccine may not be readily available, although there is not expected to be a shortage.
Among the locations on Oahu: Longs Ala Moana, downtown Bishop, Gulick, Hawaii Kai, Kahala, Kaheka, Kaimuki, Kamehameha Shopping Center, Liliha, Manoa, Moiliili, Pali, Salt Lake, Mililani Marketplace, Mililani Mauka, Mililani Town Center, Wahiawa, Wahiawa Medical Center, Ewa Beach Shopping Center, Ewa Town Center, Kapolei, Manana, Pearl City, Pearlridge, Waianae, Waipahu, Kailua, Kailua Professional Center, Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center, Windward City and Haleiwa.
Also, Safeway at Beretania, Kapahulu and Hamakua Drive; Times at Beretania, Kahala, Liliha, McCully, Aiea, Royal Kunia, Waimalu, Waipahu, Kailua, Kaneohe and Koolau; Foodland at Laie; and Good Neighbor Pharmacy at Aiea Medical Center, Pali Momi Medical Center and Tamura Super Market on Farrington Highway.
Flu vaccine is produced each year in a process that takes at least six months, according to Janice Okubo, spokeswoman for the Health Department.
Vaccine distribution to private providers usually begins in September or October, and supplies later in the season depend on demand, she noted.
“This means people looking for a flu vaccination now may have to call various locations,” Okubo said.
However, she said federal officials have said there is no shortage of the vaccine this year. An estimated 37 percent of Americans were vaccinated by mid-November.
For those who cannot or do not get a flu shot, the Health Department recommends practicing “good health hygiene,” which means washing your hands regularly; avoid touching your face; coughing or sneezing into a tissue, then properly disposing of the tissue and washing your hands.
Those who are sick are advised to stay home to reduce spreading the illness.
Question: Does the city or state collect bail when a defendant does not show up? We seem to have so many people out on bail who have warrants because they obviously did not show up in court. Does anyone collect because of the no-shows?
Answer: Forfeited bail is collected by the courts, then deposited into the state General Fund, said Mark Santoki, spokesman for the state Judiciary.
In fiscal year 2011, for example, a total of $1,049,726 was collected from both District and Circuit courts; in fiscal year 2012 the amount was $1,121,529, he said.
Mahalo
To the first responders and bystander “angels” after an early morning accident on the H-1 freeway near the Pali offramp Dec. 5 — fire Capt. Debbi Eleneki, Dana Hiapo, John Hoganson, Kevin (military personnel who pulled the driver out of the truck, which flipped on its side) and the unidentified driver of a white truck who stopped the erratic driver who caused the accident.
I hope that driver has learned a valuable lesson. Do not drive if you are taking medication that can cause dizziness. You were lucky that your carelessness did not take anyone’s life. You also need to
take responsibility for your actions. — Grateful for Angels
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Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
