Initially scheduled for last weekend only, the success of the initiative in the two days prompted health authorities to expand the drive-through vaccination programme for an additional week.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said the people of the Virgin Islands (VI) deserve applause for turning out in numbers to the COVID-19 drive-through vaccination initiative that started on July 17, 2021, at Festival Grounds in Road Town.

Drive-Through initiative a success

Premier Fahie had hailed the initiative as a success while on the Tuesday, July 20, 2021, episode of VIP Let's Talk radio show on ZBVI 780 AM. Also on the show were Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) and Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr The Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7).

According to Hon Fahie, some 1,308 were vaccinated over four days- Saturday to Tuesday.

"I want to also appeal to persons to get vaccinated. The statistics show that more than 99% of persons that died from COVID-19 were not vaccinated," he said, adding that only two of the many persons hospitalised with COVID-19 at Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital were vaccinated.

The Virgin Islands has been offering the AstraZeneca vaccine to its population for free; however, there was a low uptake mainly due to conspiracy theories being actively propagated by anti-vaxxers.

Following increased hospitalisations and deaths, many have decided to get vaccinated; however, the government continues to encourage the undecided and even the anti-vaxxers to take the jab.

"I want to encourage our people to do it because you have plenty to gain, you have your life to gain, when we look around and see all that is happening we need to get that first jab and then move into the second jab," Premier Fahie implored.

Walk-in vaccinations are also be provided for persons without vehicles.

More COVID-19 variants a concern

Hon Fahie reminded that more varients of COVID-19 are ravaging the region, as such, vaccination remains important.

It should be noted that the AstraZeneca vaccine has been touted as effective against the Delta variant.

Meanwhile, the drive-through vaccination initiative will continue at Festival Grounds and the Premier says he is projecting over 2,000 more people will be vaccinated.

Persons must be over the age of 18 and must have a valid photo identification such as a driver’s license or NHI card. They are also being encouraged to wear short-sleeved tops and remain in their vehicles while at the venue.

Walk-in vaccinations are also be provided for persons without vehicles.