In the past two days, the Virgin Islands Department of Health confirmed 43 positive COVID-19 cases on St. Thomas in unvaccinated individuals.
This recent uptick is alarming and with the COVID-19 vaccine being easily accessible for anyone 12 years old and over, this surge in new positive cases could have been avoided.
Territorial Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis has been monitoring these cases, and the epidemiology team is working to contact trace and contain the spread as quickly as possible.
“This is a preventable disease, and it’s free and easy to get the vaccine. Until we all do that, we will not reach community protection known as herd immunity,” said Ellis.
There are several options for getting vaccinated. There are pop-up events happening across the territory where free COVID-19 vaccines, as well as other services, are available. Private providers are also offering vaccines. The Department of Health’s Community Vaccination Centers are also a good option for a smooth, quick vaccination experience.
St. Croix’s Community Vaccination Center is located at the Nissan Center in La Grande Princesse, adjacent to the Honda Dealership and The Paint Shop, on the same side of the street as Food Town.
St. Thomas’ Community Vaccination Center is located at the Community Health Clinic on the 2nd floor of Schneider Regional Medical Center.
To schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine, call 340-777-8227 or visit www.covid19usvi.com/vaccines. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also accepted. It takes all of us to keep our community safe from COVID-19.
