Fourth COVID shot available in US Virgin Islands
US Virgin Islanders, who are over 50 or immunocompromised, will be able to receive their second coronavirus (COVID-19) booster shot from Monday.
The move by the VI Department of Health (VIDOH) comes after the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on March 29 that it had approved the use of a fourth vaccine dose as the omicron variant infects more people globally.
The CDC said people, who are boosted, were 21-times less likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those who were unvaccinated and seven times less likely to be hospitalised.
CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky stated: “Boosters are safe, and people over the age of 50 can now get an additional booster four months after their last dose to increase their protection further. This is especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID-19. They are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time.”
The VIDOH said islanders could visit the following Community Vaccination Centres (CVC):
• On St Croix, Charles Harwood Memorial Complex CVC will operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Patients are encouraged to make an appointment for vaccines/boosters.
• On St Thomas, the Community Health Clinic CVC is located on the 2nd floor at the Schneider Regional Medical Centre.
• The pop-up centre on St John at the Virgin Islands Port Authority Gravel Lot will operate on Wednesdays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
• Parents on St Thomas, who seek paediatric vaccines for their children aged 5 to 11, can obtain vaccines at the Maternal, Child Health Clinic in the Elanco Building on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 am to 4 pm. It is advised that parents make an appointment by (340) 777-8227.
0 Comment