3185 COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in VI this far

Some 3185 persons have been vaccinated for COVID-19 in the Virgin Islands (VI) as of February 25, 2021, according to information coming out of the Government Information Service.

The figure represents 7.96% of the total 40,000 target for the entire territory, and 79.63% of the 4000 persons target from the first 8000 batch of Oxford-AstraZeneca (AZD1222) COVID-19 vaccines that arrived in the territory on February 4, 2021.

The 3185 figure represents 7.96% of the total 40,000 target for the entire territory, and 79.63% of the 4000 persons target from the first 8000 batch of Oxford-AstraZeneca (AZD1222) COVID-19 vaccine that arrived in the territory on February 4, 2021.

Vaccination rollout continues

Those vaccinated to date would have received their first of two doses with Health Minister, Hon Carvin Malone noting that a total of 80,000 total doses is the goal for the territory as part of UK directives.

“First it was 80% of the population, now they (UK) are looking for the entire population because we already have facilities, we already set-up with COVAX, and we are trying to make sure that this is all done,” he said on February 4, 2021.

He said 40,000 persons vaccinated in the VI would cover some 100% of the VI population and which would pave the way for herd immunity of the virus.

Meanwhile, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronald E. Georges revealed to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) that first batch of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine will expire on May 31, 2021.

First 4000 target on track

According to Dr Georges, this short shelf life has hindered the territory from acquiring its full 80,000 doses necessary, for the full vaccination, however, 4000 is the target that the territory can achieve in the period the first vaccine batch will expire.

As of February 27, 2021, the VI currently has zero active confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Persons looking to get vaccinated must first register on an online portal a select a local health site. Information on how to register for the COVID-19 Vaccine can be found here.