SPECIAL COVID-19 VACCINATION DRIVE THIS WEEKEND; EASIER ACCESS TO COVID 19 BOOSTERS

The Ministry of Health in conjunction with the BVI Health Services Authority is continuing its vaccination efforts across the Territory with a special two week COVID-19 vaccine drive with special emphases on the Weekends of August 27-28 and September 02- 03, 2022 at the Lobby of the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital.

Vaccines will be available on weekdays through the community clinics. However, the main aim of the two-weekend drive is to provide convenience for residents who may not be able to come during the week to have their Booster doses of Pfizer Vaccine.

The UK Joint Commission on Vaccination and Immunization have recommended Second Booster Doses among vulnerable populations as a precautionary strategy to maintain high levels of immunity. The target groups include:

• residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults

• frontline health and social care workers

• all adults aged 50 years and over

• persons aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group which includes persons with chronic diseases

• persons aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression

• persons aged 16 to 49 years who are carers of persons in a clinical risk group above

On August 12, 2022, His Excellency Governor John Rankin publicly took his fourth dose of Pfizer and Second Booster. Governor Rankin thanked the United Kingdom Government for their continued support to the Territory, and reminded the public that current adult Pfizer vaccine in the Territory are due to expire at the end of September 2022.

His Excellency also encouraged residents to boost their COVID 19 protection by getting their Third and Fourth dosages. “While the impact of COVID and numbers of cases appears to have reduced, vaccines and vaccination remain the best way to protect our community and vulnerable persons, particularly as restrictions are now completely lifted. I urge those of you who can to get vaccinated; even if you have not yet had your first dose it is not too late,” the Governor said.

The vaccination drive will take place between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm; and persons are asked to walk with a Government issued ID, as well as their vaccination card.