30/07/2021
TODAY FROM THE ST. THOMAS SOURCE................
BVI Children to Get COVID Vaccines in USVI Under New Initiative
By Sian Cobb
July 28, 2021
Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine sample (Shutterstock)
The U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands have launched a joint initiative to allow BVI children ages 12 to 18 to come to the USVI for inoculation against COVID-19 with the Pfizer vaccine, according to the BVI Ministry of Health and Social Development and the V.I. Health Department.
The BVI has only the AstraZeneca vaccine, which has not been approved for use in those under the age of 18. The program also is open to those over 18 who wish to receive an alternative vaccine, but BVI Health Minister Carvin Malone said at a recent press conference that priority will be given to children.
A call center has been set up to take appointments at 284-852-7525, he said.
USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has stressed at recent press conferences that anyone who arrives on the territory’s shores is eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19, no matter where they are from, no questions asked. As the BVI battles an alarming surge in cases, he also has pledged that the USVI will offer whatever support it can to its sister islands. Most recently, that has included sending personnel to the BVI to help with laboratory and antigen tests.
