Over 200 BVI residents get COVID jab from USVI

The Ministry of Health has reported that nearly 234 persons have been vaccinated under the collaborative Vaccination Bubble Initiative between the BVI and neighbouring US Virgin Islands (USVI).

The initiative, which ended lasted Thursday, saw 65 adults and 169 children from the BVI getting inoculated for COVID-19 with alternative brands to the AstraZeneca vaccine — the only brand available the BVI.

“On behalf of the government and people of the Virgin Islands, I extend heartfelt thanks to the government and people of the United States Virgin Islands for willingly and professionally providing and administering first, second and third doses of Pfizer and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines to citizens and residents of the British Virgin Islands,” Health Minister Carvin Malone said at the end of the initiative.

Malone reportedly witnessed the final round of vaccinations with the USVI officials.

He said the USVI team was pleased to present gifts as a small token of appreciation.

“The BVI owes a debt of gratitude to the BVI-USVI Vaccination Bubble Committee, the public officers, health professionals and our many volunteers who worked tirelessly above and beyond the call of duty to solicit, register and accompany the many participants to and from St. John,” Malone stated.

“The Delta variant continues to wreak havoc around the world and a new and emerging Mu is on the radar. We do not know how the disease will affect you, but we do know that vaccination is the best tool along with following public health protocols to keep our people safe,” he added.

In the meantime, Malone recently announced that the government has been making strident efforts to make the Pfizer & Moderna vaccines available in the territory.

Editor’s Note:
The Ministry of Health is seeking to compile accurate records regarding COVID-19 vaccination and is inviting persons who have been vaccinated abroad to contact the Vaccination Call Centre at 284-852-7525. The centre can be contacted Monday through Friday between 11 am and 3 pm until October 8.