Unvaccinated residents are encouraged to add another layer of protection from the COVID-19 virus by getting their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine at the Operation Protect Each Other Drive-Thru Vaccination.

          Operation Protect Each Other Drive-Thru Vaccination is taking  take place today Saturday, July 17 and tomorrow Sunday, July 18 at the Festival Grounds in Tortola from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Partially vaccinated residents can also receive their second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine once four weeks has passed since receiving the first dose to be deemed fully vaccinated.

          The COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine provides additional protection by boosting immunity as it creating antibodies, preventing, and reducing the risk of severe illness, reducing the risk of death from COVID-19, reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 and ultimately allowing the community to reconnect. COVID-19 vaccines paired with all health measures such as hand washing and sanitising, proper face mask wearing, and physical distancing can provide optimal protection as countries around the world are still adjusting to living with the COVID-19 era.

          Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone stated that the current state of things in the Virgin Islands with the rapid increase of active COVID-19 cases, hospitalisation and increase in deaths can and will worsen should persons not follow protocols and not strongly consider vaccination to protect themselves and loved ones.

         Honourable Malone said, “There are a number of vaccines that would have expired come July 31, [and] we will get additional supplies so that people taking their first dose can be assured that there will be available for the second come August and September. We have a supply of the AstraZeneca vaccine that needs to be administered for our lives and for our livelihoods. We see the numbers going up as it relates to hospitalisation and deaths and all the others.”

          Meanwhile, Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A Fahie continues to urge residents to take the vaccine. “Being vaccinated gives your body the best chance to fight the virus. I especially urge those who have underlying health conditions, the elderly and the young, safeguard yourselves,” The Premier stressed.

          Premier Fahie reiterated the Government’s mission to keep the people safe adding, ““We have made everything easy for you, vaccines at your fingertips. This will further magnify all the efforts we have done over the last 16 months to remain safe and health.”

         The drive-through will allow vehicles to enter the eastern gate of the Festival Grounds and be able to register, get inoculated, receive their cards and drive off in the convenience of their cars.

          Persons aged 18 and older are advised to pre-fill registration forms available online ministryofhealth.gov.vg/vaccines, walk with a government issued identification, wear their face masks and wear short sleeved tops for easy access to getting the vaccine.

          Persons are advised that the inbound lane of the Dual Carriageway will be closed to allow for the Drive-Thru Vaccination Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Any inconvenience caused is regretted.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Flyer 1:1- Operation Protect Each Other Drive-Thru Vaccination.