The Government of the Virgin Islands and health officials territory-wide are in a dire push to get residents vaccinated before the shots expire on July 31st.
First timers have until July 3rd to secure the first dose and must secure the second shot by July 31st, according to the Minister of Health, Carvin Malone.
“To all listening, I want to make it clear that all vaccines in stock that are accessible from the BVI Health Services Authority and private medical healthcare facility partners are expiring on July 31. I am appealing to everyone who has not received their first dose to do so before July 3 to ensure that they receive the second dose within a four-week timeframe and are fully vaccinated as per the vaccine manufacturers’ guidelines.”
OVER 36% OF RESIDENTS RECEIVED FIRST SHOT, A FAR CRY FROM HERD IMMUNITY
To date, 12,681 persons have received their first doses, while 8,918 have received their second doses. An analysis of these totals shows that:
- On Tortola, 10,561 first doses and 7,643 second doses have been administered to date;
- On Virgin Gorda 1,896 first doses and 1,160 second doses were administered;
- On Jost Van Dyke 98 first doses and 50 second doses were administered; and
- On Anegada 126 first doses and 65 second doses were administered to date.
Premier of the Virgin Islands, Honorable Andrew Fahie said he is unable to confirm when the territory will receive additional shots of the covid-19 vaccine.
At a June 25th press briefing Honorable Fahie said “we don’t know when but we know will be receiving sometime. But we don’t know when as yet. That’s why we’re encouraging persons to get vaccinated by the 3rd of July. The reason being, if you get your first dose by July 3rd that gives you the window to get the second dose before it expires. After July 3rd, if you are living in the Virgin Islands and you do not get your first jab, then you will not be able to get it anytime soon because we have to wait until we get a next shipment of vaccines. Also, we’re not sure that when the next shipment comes, if it will be free like this. We don’t know if we’ll have to pay.”
The Government is in a final push to administer vaccines quickly. If let unused, they will be forced to distribute them to other countries