COVID-19: First batch of Pfizer jabs arrives in VI - Gov Rankin

For the first time since the start of COVID-19 vaccinations in the Virgin Islands (VI), the Government managed vaccination drive now has in its arsenal, Pfizer vaccines as part of new supplies sent by the United Kingdom.

This was announced moments ago today, December 16, 2021, by Governor of the Virgin Islands, H.E. John J. Rankin CMG during a live press conference carried on local radio and via the Facebook page of the Government Information Service (GIS).

According to Governor Rankin, the new batch of 4,680 Pfizer vaccines were accompanied by the 7th delivery of some 2,000 new doses of AstraZeneca vaccines which arrived yesterday, December 15, 2021.

Vaccine rollout passes 50% pf population - Governor Rankin

“I’m glad that now, just over 60% of the adult population has had a single vaccine of AstraZeneca and just over 56% present of the population has been double vaccinated,” he said.

Governor Rankin reminded that the Pfizer vaccines arrived as a result of the territory acquiring the necessary refrigeration capacity to store the jabs.

“I hope the arrival of the Pfizer can be a game-changer, for those older populations as a booster, for those who have had their two doses of AstraZeneca as they are getting Pfizer as a booster to help further protect you,” Governor Rankin said.

Priority roll-out first with Pfizer - Gov Rankin

According to the Governor, priority groups will first benefit from the vaccines and it will also be used as first jabs for adolescence and teenagers.

According to Mr Rankin, as more storage capacity for Pfizer jabs is available, the UK will continue to deliver doses to help the further roll-out of the programme.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges to every country in the world… and BVI has been and can be no exception to that,” he went on to say.

The Governor thanked both the Fahie Government and local healthcare workers for keeping the VI safe, while encouraging the populace to get vaccinated.