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COVID-19 vaccine doses will now be given 12 weeks apart – Hon Malone

-following studies showing greater antibody development when compared to 6 weeks
On the advice of the acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronald E. Goerges, the Virgin Islands (VI) has adjusted the intervals between the first and second doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines when administered to persons in the territory. Photo: Internet Source
Hon Carvin Malone revealed that persons who were scheduled for a second dose of COVID-19 vaccination within 6 weeks from the date of the first dose, would now have to take the second dose in 12 weeks. Photo: VINO/File
Hon Carvin Malone revealed that persons who were scheduled for a second dose of COVID-19 vaccination within 6 weeks from the date of the first dose, would now have to take the second dose in 12 weeks. Photo: VINO/File
DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI – On the advice of the acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronald E. Goerges, the Virgin Islands (VI) has adjusted the intervals between the first and second doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines when administered to persons in the territory.

This was revealed by Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) in a statement delivered during the March 10, 2021, Sixth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola.

He said in data taken from pooled double-blinded randomized controlled studies in which 17,178 participants received the AstraZeneca vaccine, researchers found that the vaccines were more effective when taken in 12-week intervals.

As such, Hon Malone also revelated that persons who were scheduled for a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine within 6 weeks from the date of the first dose, would now have to take the second dose in 12 weeks.

More antibodies in 12 weeks compared to 6

“The study determined that vaccine efficacy was 81.3% after 2 standard doses were given 12 weeks apart, versus 51.1% when given after 2 standard doses six weeks apart.”

He said the study also showed that persons developed double the antibodies to fight the virus after taking the second vaccine does in 12 weeks, compared to those who took the second dose in intervals of less than 6 weeks.  

According to the minister, persons affected by the new schedule in the VI can expect to be contacted by health authorities with a new appointment date.

The VI currently has 0 confirmed active cases of COVID-19, based on the latest March 11, 2021, statistics released by the Government.

20 Responses to “COVID-19 vaccine doses will now be given 12 weeks apart – Hon Malone”

  • plan (15/03/2021, 13:04) Like (18) Dislike (5) Reply
    If that is the case, Please put out a schedule for persons who have already gotten the first dose and date for the second, to advise these persons of what their new date is going to be. save your selves having chaos with ppl tryn to figure out what they are supposed to be doing
  • @plan (15/03/2021, 13:21) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
    I want to shake your hand.
  • Kay (15/03/2021, 13:28) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    Exactly why I wasn’t going for my 2nd dose in 3 weeks... not even when children gets vaccinated they get the 2nd dosage soooo soon!!! It’s always several months apart to build anti-bodies
  • Vaccinate or Starv. (15/03/2021, 14:00) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    These people with power have their foot in 9ur throat. They are determined for us to vaccinate now some new oppressive organization in the caribbean is saying that a caribbean country must achieve 70% vaccination before cruiseship can come to their port, imaging that CDC already cleared 4 caribbean countries safe and ready for complete opening, these are St Martin, Anguilla, Dominica and St. Kitts, Royal caribbean is completely book to set sale for business in June but only those 4 countries I mentioned theh can go to, The others have to achieve the 70% vacccination status if the want to be added to the Cruise ship visit list....so, one way or thw other they will make us take that vaccine,...so, start preparing.
    • god is watching (15/03/2021, 14:44) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
      These people fooling you all. Every minute they change things up. They wouldn't fool me.
  • trrefdrfds (15/03/2021, 14:08) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    It look like malone kno more about this pandemic than anyone else
  • Rubber Duck (15/03/2021, 14:16) Like (3) Dislike (15) Reply
    Some people may have to leave the island before the 12 weeks is up. Please allow them to get the second dose early.
    • @ rubber duck (15/03/2021, 15:37) Like (28) Dislike (1) Reply
      As of last week, some Countries have paused AstraZeneca to investigate it further since some are experiencing blood clots.
      • Rubber Duck (15/03/2021, 17:39) Like (2) Dislike (9) Reply
        They are investigating if there is any connection between thee people in Norway and one in Italy who had blood clots and who had also had the vaccine. This is unlikely but as a precaution they have paused distribution while it is investigated.

        In the UK about 3000 people per month get blood clots without being vaccinated. According to UK sources who have vaccinated 11 million people with Astra Zeneca there is no higher incidence of blood clots in vaccinated people than there is in non vaccinated people.

        I think you will see them resume vaccinations shortly.
        • @Rubber (15/03/2021, 23:17) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
          Do the same conparison with flu vs covid deaths. I bet you wont?
          • @@Rubber (16/03/2021, 08:26) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
            He would never make that bet lol
            • Rubber Duck (16/03/2021, 11:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
              See above. Also bear in mind that the EU is already in a big fight with Astra Zeneca over deliveries and Astra Zeneca in the view of the Europeans favouring the UK with deliveries ahead of them. AZ say the Europeans were too late ordering.


              https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9366963/Coronavirus-Pfizers-Covid-vaccine-linked-blood-clots-AstraZenecas-UK.html
          • Rubber Duck (16/03/2021, 11:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            Anyone can check on the internet

            This gives information on that topic


            https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/deathsduetocoronaviruscovid19comparedwithdeathsfrominfluenzaandpneumoniaenglandandwales/deathsoccurringbetween1januaryand31august2020
  • Them so (15/03/2021, 19:05) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Worship money and is a slave to greed....
  • gdgfdgfd (15/03/2021, 23:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  • WAKE THE SHEEP (16/03/2021, 08:27) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    i never seen a island more sleep than the BVI lack of research is ignorance this vaccine has caused the death of countless people world wide the facts are there . HOW DID WE REACH TO THIS BY THE WAY? because the "world" say so? where is the cure for cancer the cure for aids? now we're here like sheep's to be vaccinated for a cough that have a survival rate of 98.5% plus we live in the tropics where the sun Beat the @#$% out of us on a daily basis.. not even the kids get the flu anymore because of the new sun.. (yes look it up to) where is the National day of pray? where is the communities with all the Grandma bush tea? to fight flu like symptoms ? SMH .... WAIT N WATCH final words....
    • @Wake the sheep (16/03/2021, 09:50) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Four words fam “can’t save them all” wish we could but some people too far gone, mentally brainwashed. You don’t even need to research about these things, all it takes is common sense or even take a look at what’s going on a round you and compare it to the Television “Programming” and you’ll know the truth
  • Stop volunteering to be guniea pigs (16/03/2021, 11:14) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look at this. This is the same thing they sent here to us:

    https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/health/2021/march/ireland-suspends-astrazeneca-vaccine-amid-blood-clot-fears?utm_source=news&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news-eu-newsquickstart&utm_content=20210316-2107342&inid=56d7ff04-8bd5-4814-9858-3a0b90c840d2&mot=049249
  • when (16/03/2021, 13:12) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is this another tactic to delay the opening? Now it’s going to take twice as long to get tourists back on our shores. WHEN IS THE GOVERNMENT PLANNING ON OPENING THE TERRITORY?!?!???


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