The Virgin Islands Department of Health announced Saturday that the territory has passed the 25,000 mark for persons vaccinated for COVID-19.
In a news release issued Saturday, the department said the achievement puts the territory on target to meet Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s goal of having half the population, or 50,000 people vaccinated by July 1. As more individuals become vaccinated the Virgin Islands community gets closer to reaching what is called “herd immunity.”
“Crossing the 25,000th person mark makes me feel proud of the hard work put into this response by the Health Department and our local and federal partners,” Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said. “I am very pleased with the community’s willingness to participate since it takes everyone to do their part to help end the pandemic. It is important that we not only reach the governor’s goal but that we exceed it.”
On March 1, Community Vaccination Centers opened on St. Croix and St. Thomas and on March 20 on St. John. In just a little over three weeks, the opening of these centers has proven to be a major success. Along with other healthcare providers, these options make vaccination accessible to everyone aged 16 and older. There is no residency requirement and the vaccination centers are accessible to everyone. There are accommodations for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those needing language translation. Homebound individuals can also get the vaccine as the Health Department can accommodate their special circumstances.
“Every action we take to fight COVID-19 is for public health. I encourage you to get vaccinated. I chose to get vaccinated so that we could be closer to returning to normalcy with an increased level of comfort, and the return of cultural events,” Encarnacion said.
Those who want to book an appointment for the vaccine can do so by visiting the department’s website or calling 1-340-777-8277.
