The new statistics came via a COVID-19 update delivered by the Health Minister, yesterday, June 10, 2021, where he mentioned that the figures should have been higher.

34K doses sent to VI from UK

According to Hon Malone, of the 34,000 doses of vaccines that were donated to the territory by the United Kingdom Government, “we had anticipated that 17,000 persons would be able to have free access to two doses of vaccines per person.”

According to statistics disclosed by the Minister, residents on Tortola received 10,217 first doses and 6,217 second doses; residents on Virgin Gorda received 1,815 first doses and 974 second doses; on Jost Van Dyke, 98 first doses and 50 second doses were administered; meanwhile, on Anegada, 115 first doses and 48 second doses were administered.

“I was hoping by now that our first dose numbers would be significantly higher; at least in the 15,000 persons range, a mere 2000 persons away from our 17,000 goal, but we are not there yet!”

Hon Malone said where there is still some ways to go but time is running out as the current stocks of vaccines are set to expire by July 31, 2021.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) says the Virgin Islands (VI) vaccination drive has fallen short of its 17K target with some 12,245 people only receiving the first dose, and only 7,289 persons receiving both doses of the vaccine.

Vaccination drive must be taken seriously - Hon Malone

“That means in order for us to effectively use the vaccines in stock, persons still expected to receive their first dose can do so no later than July 3, 2021. This would give a 4-week time frame between the first and second dose,” he said.

The minister, in an appeal to residents and stakeholders in this Territory, said as the VI eagerly awaits unrestricted reopening of its borders the vaccine rollout must be taken seriously.