The British Virgin Islands has been supplied with some additional 3,510 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, along with the first batch of 500 pediatric vaccines for children ages 5 to 11, thanks to the United Kingdom Government on Wednesday, February 16th, 2022.
Recently His Excellency Governor John Rankin stated that the UK government through their continued commitment to the people of the Virgin Islands during the pandemic is well to be able to provide additional vaccines.
While the vaccines are for persons who require boosters as well as first and second doses, the pediatric shots are a small timeframe for use.
He stated, “In regard to the paediatric doses, those doses have a lifespan of ten weeks, and they need to be used within the 10-week period. I encourage those who want their young children to be vaccinated to come forward now and get that first vaccination.”
Minister of Health Carvin Malone expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom Government in their continued support for the Virgin Islands by supplying the vaccines.
Minister Malone said, “The UK has performed well in terms of supplying all the vaccines that are required in the Virgin Islands. They have done so with AstraZeneca, and they are doing so with Pfizer. We are grateful for the 3,510 doses we have now received and the 500 pediatric doses.”
He added, “We know that with the 10-weeks of shelf life, it is critical that parents do the right thing. It is critical that parents protect their children five to 11. We are well aware that there are those who under no circumstances will seek to take the vaccine. But science has proven that this is the best protection along with common sense approach.”