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VI's vaccination drive falls short of 17K June target

- Disappointed Health Minister says only 12,245 first doses & 7,289 second doses administered
According to Hon Carvin Malone, with some 34,000 doses of vaccines that were donated to the territory by the United Kingdom Government, he said health Authorities has anticipated that about 17,000 persons would be able to have free access to two doses of vaccines. Photo: Internet Source
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. Photo: VINO/File
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. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) said the Virgin Islands (VI) vaccination drive has fallen short of its 17,000-target since only 12,245 people have received the first dose and only 7,289 have received both doses of the vaccine.

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. 

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.

21 Responses to “VI's vaccination drive falls short of 17K June target ”

  • Mufeng (11/06/2021, 16:13) Like (15) Dislike (24) Reply
    All those who took the vaccine are expatriates. Just over 200 locals took the jabs. My local friends told me they are the smartest and wisest people on these little rocks. Those short falls. Go and convince the locals to take them. Make the vaccine mandatory for all government workers. Target achieve. Simply maths.
  • Seriously (11/06/2021, 16:17) Like (37) Dislike (7) Reply
    Good luck with that not everyone's crazy
  • Rubber Duck (11/06/2021, 16:31) Like (8) Dislike (15) Reply
    This is sad
  • Really (11/06/2021, 17:05) Like (69) Dislike (11) Reply
    All the best, we not taking it ever.
  • Citizen (11/06/2021, 17:17) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    So about 10,000 shots will expire at the hands of you Mr. Minister.
    • @citizen (12/06/2021, 07:14) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      What kind of comment is that? You can’t blame the minister or was it he who created COVID? It’s your responsibility to do what is right for you and your family. The government cannot be blamed for this they have done so much to try and protect us.
  • Lab rats (11/06/2021, 17:19) Like (25) Dislike (11) Reply
    U Cannot expect ppl to put something that came out in months no long terms study on it


    My brother asthmatic jus got the COVID n in mere 3 days he good no hospital no meds.

    We was jus getting ready to purchase privately a oxygen tank when he recovered on the third night.

    Has been cleared since.

    He had nasal congestion
    Headache
    Moderate breathing problems only at night
    Soar throat he described as not the regular more intense
    Fever.


    Wonder why the Trinidad PM didn’t take it yet ?
    And on the date he was going to take it they say he tested positive for the virus but to date hasn’t taken it.


    He’s smarter than that .....


  • LoveBVI (11/06/2021, 17:45) Like (14) Dislike (27) Reply
    As the BVI opens its borders, the risk increases to everyone and especially those that are not yet vaccinated. There is always a balance of risk in any decision. Please look at what is happening in other Caribbean islands, let’s not wait for an outbreak and friends to be in hospital before we do our bit to protect each other. If you haven’t yet had the vaccine please protect yourself protect your friends and family as protect our territory. Don’t procrastinate, vaccinate.
    • SB (13/06/2021, 12:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Protect yourself and let the rest of us die in peace if that is the design of the Most High. Shut up.
  • Ghost (11/06/2021, 18:13) Like (10) Dislike (16) Reply
    Rubber duck this “is sad” indeed..I could be wrong but I believe that part of the reluctance re: persons taking it is the potential side effects of blood clots etc though this risk is higher in the less than 30 yr olds though an extremely low incidence of it occurring.. also there have been sooooo many stupid conspiracy theories being peddle and so many “local scientists” (being facetious in saying they latter) that persons are buying into the nonsense and is refusing to take it.. all vaccines, medications comes with some degree of risk but God is in Control of all things. I keep telling persons to seek God’s Wisdom and Guidance and He Will Direct persons, but instead they’re letting themselves be led astray with all the “noise”..but this is sad indeed..
  • Why Fuss (12/06/2021, 06:39) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    We all know that vaccinated or unvaccinated persons have the same risk of catching COVID. Why fuss about the unvaccinated as if they could give you COVID and the unvaccinated cannot do likewise? All we need to do is follow the protocols and social distance. Because whether we are vaccinated or unvaccinated we can catch or spread COVID. If persons choose not to vaccinate it is their personal choice. It seems like persons in the community wants the vaccinated to wear a symbol so they know their kind in public or have a tag on to see vaccinated. I pray it does not ever come to that. When I go out in the public I protect myself as I do not know who has COVID or not and it does not matter whether I am around vaccinated or unvaccinated persons. We must all protect ourselves by wearing a mask, keep a distance and washing our hands or sanitize regularly. The Vaccines available does not stop anyone from getting COVID. Be wise with your choice.
  • BVO COI (12/06/2021, 09:03) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please state to this honourable house how many of the elected members of government have taken the vaccine and if all have not, please state why.
    Breaking News to the whole World...
    God has just asked " Why has no leaders on earth made serving The Real Creater and True God of this World Mandatory and a Priority"? like the way you treat Covid-Vaccines. With many incentives.
    Is there a true soldier out there to answer this question to God.
  • Just hmmmm (12/06/2021, 10:18) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is same Astra Zeneca that the US FDA(FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION) REFUSE to give the green light to administer that USA President Biden stated that they in the US will NOT be using on any Americans, but they will export all of it to other countries. So the FDA refuse to pass it for Americans to use but it is good enough for other “3rd world countries “......... y’all be SHEEP and go ahead and take it ya hear? I know not me and not none of mine and ain’t a darnn soul can make me do otherwise.
  • akon (12/06/2021, 10:26) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    There is no pandemic, Bill Gates and Dr Fauci and their crew will get charge for crime against humanity just now
  • Wait (13/06/2021, 17:34) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wait for the revelation and the proclamation. Many will hold their head in shame and in sorrow. But we will just have to rise up and do what we must. Prepare yourselves physically, mentally, educationally and above all spiritually.
  • Wicked Mentality (14/06/2021, 09:09) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    THEY WILL RATHER SEND THE VACCINES TO THE LOW INCOME COUNTRIES
  • Be Observant (14/06/2021, 12:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    POLITICIANS DON'T WANT TO SEE US MAKE IT IN LIFE SO THEY CONTINUE TO MAKE LIFE HARD FOR US...CAN'T AFFORD THE SYSTEM TO DRIVE US MAD...POOR MAN WANT FOOD, CLOTHES AND SHELTER...STILL NO HELP SOME LACK WISDOM TO KNOW THAT BUT WHAT I KNOW FOR SURE THEY CAN NOT STOP "THE ALMIGHTY TIMING!!!"


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