The Minister’s revelations came during the October 19, 2021, episode of VIP Let’s Talk radio show on ZBVI Radio after one caller inquired whether US ports of entry were accepting visitors with the AstraZeneca jabs and what were the recommendations for booster jabs.

According to Hon Malone, some 59.5% of the VI population is deemed vaccinated with one dose and another 56.5% of persons fully vaccinated.

He said once persons have the second dose they are considered fully vaccinated after 14 days of the final jab.

The Minister said certain classes of those who are vaccinated qualify for the booster shot, including persons who are over 65 or compromised in other ways.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) has revealed that the Virgin Islands (VI) government is working on providing international vaccination cards for the Oxford-AstraZeneca jabs being offered in the VI.

Hon Carvin Malone AstraZeneca vaccine has been quite effective in terms of its market leadership and protection against severe illness from COVID-19 infections.

Vaccine remains effective - Hon Malone

He said the AstraZeneca vaccine has been quite effective in terms of its market leadership and its effectiveness at protecting against severe illness from COVID-19 infections.

However, the Minister said that while some travellers have been reporting challenges with the acceptance of the AstraZeneca jab in the USA, for others, there is the ease of travel.

He said the vaccine is being recognised internationally, as such, the government will be looking into an internationally recognised travel card, with the assurance that the AstraZeneca vaccine will be accepted around the world.

Hon Malone indicated that an official report on the vaccine is forthcoming from the local Chief Medical Officer.