The Government of the Virgin Islands will host another ‘Protect Each Other’ Vaccination Drive-Thru from Saturday, August 28 to Tuesday, August 31 to provide easier access to persons getting their second dose at the Festival Grounds in Tortola from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Virgin Islands’ residents who have received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine prior to July 25 are encouraged to use this opportunity to get their second dose before August 31.

12,907 persons were fully vaccinated as of August 27, while 4,193 persons received their first dose and are to prepare to receive their second dose. The required two-doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine produces a greater antibody response within a 4 to 12-week timeframe, which allows one to gain full vaccination status. Being fully vaccinated also provides more protections against COVID-19 and variants, lessens the chances of hospitalisation and death as well as other advantages to travel and social gatherings.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Ms. Tasha Bertie commended those persons who are following the protocols and getting vaccinated to protect themselves.

Ms. Bertie also said the current stock of vaccines are expiring on August 31 and  persons who received their first dose in July are encouraged to take the opportunity to get their second dose now within the 4 week timeframe so that they can be deemed fully vaccinated.

Persons not on Tortola can continue to get their second dose at the following locations: Virgin Gorda at the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and at the North Sound Clinic by appointment. Residents on Anegada are asked to schedule appointments by telephone at 852-7784 and on Jost Van Dyke by telephone at 852-7796.

Vaccines can also be accessed from private healthcare facilities namely Bougainvillea and Eureka Clinics, Penn Medical Centre, BVI Medical Centre and B&F Medical Centre.

Registration forms can be completed in advance by downloading the document from https://ministryofhealth.gov.vg/vaccines. Persons aged 18 and older are encouraged to pre-fill registration forms available online at ministryofhealth.gov.vg/vaccines or register on site, present a government issued identification, wear their face masks and wear short sleeved tops for easy access to getting their vaccine shot.

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 in the COVID-19 era.