This was confirmed by Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) at the receipt of the vaccines on Beef Island in a report from the Government Information Service.

“For the first time, we now have a longer shelf life, it will be available until the 31st of January , and it is important for us to remember that if we are to save life and save the economy, we have to get as many of our population vaccinated as possible,” he said.

The Minister in encouraging persons to take the jab reminded that the vaccination does not eliminate the chances of infection, rather lowers the rate of hospitalization and the incidence of death.

The longer shelf life was confirmed by Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) at the receipt of the vaccines on Beef Island.

VI continues to protect its citizens – Hon Malone

He said across the region, the virus continues to ravage economies and hence, the VI will continue to invest in all the infrastructure required to protect its citizens.

Meanwhile, Governor of the Virgin Islands H.E. John J. Ranking CMG said the latest batch of vaccines is another demonstration of the UK’s pledge to supply jabs to the territory.

Governor Ranking encouraged those who are unvaccinated to get vaccinated which will allow for the safe and full re-opening of the territory on the road ‘back to safety.”

He said to date, some 60% of the territory have now received at least one dose of the vaccine, and just over 50% have been double vaccinated.