Health Ministry enters phase II of Pfizer vaccine rollout

Health Minister Carvin Malone

The Ministry of Health is currently in its second phase of the Pfizer vaccine distribution in the territory.

The second phase sees all frontline workers and senior government managers being able to receive their first, second or booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

This phase started December 20 and goes until December 30; however, the locations will be closed on the weekends and for the upcoming Christmas holidays.

The qualified persons can visit the hospital chapel to receive their vaccine.

Meanwhile, the Pfizer vaccine rollout is also ongoing in Virgin Gorda at the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic. The persons currently being prioritised on the sister island are senior citizens (over 60 years) and children from 12-17.

Only 12 persons are allowed at a time in the facility and it will be regulated by security.

The first phase of the Pfizer rollout programme saw Healthcare workers, both private and public, House of Assembly members and staff, persons from the Governor and Deputy Governor office receiving their various doses of the vaccine.

Also, on December 30 and 31, the Ministry of Health will be offering booster shots for the AstraZeneca vaccine and the first, second and booster dose, where applicable to members of the Adina Donovan, Virgin Gorda Elderly Home and Dialysis patients. This will be done on-site.

Vaccinations are available on a first-come, first-serve basis from 10 am to 4 pm.

From December 30 onwards, all persons who fall within the priority group can receive their vaccination at the Catholic Community Center in Road Town or the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic in Virgin Gorda from 10 am to 3 pm by appointment.

The Ministry is also adding registered private clinics to the list of places where persons can receive their Pfizer shots after they have completed a rigorous training programme and get certified.

The persons falling within the priority groups can make appointments at these clinics, which will be published by the Ministry, from December 30.

Vaccines open to all other residents January 4

All other residents are able to receive their Pfizer doses from January 4. They can also get the third dose of AstraZeneca. The vaccines will be available at the Catholic Community Centre, Community Clinics in Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost van Dyke and Tortola. They can also get the vaccine at registered private clinics.

The Ministry is advising persons to remain vigilant during this festive season and reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 by following the current protocols in place. This warning comes as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the territory throughout the last month. There are currently 109 active cases in the territory with 96 on Tortola and 13 on Virgin Gorda.

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