Territorial Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has now updated its COVID-19 booster recommendations and the V.I. Health Department will follow these recommendations:
— People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series;
— People ages 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series;
— People ages 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks, and
— People ages 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
Underlying medical conditions include: Cancer; chronic kidney disease; chronic lung disease; dementia or other neurological conditions; diabetes mellitus; Down Syndrome; heart conditions; HIV infection; immunocompromised state; liver disease; overweight/obesity; pregnancy; sickle cell disease or thalassemia; current or former smoker; solid organ or blood stem cell transplant; stroke of cerebrovascular disease; and substance abuse/use disorder.
COVID-19 vaccines are free and readily available in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Those who wish to get the vaccination can schedule an appointment by calling 340-777-8227 or going online to the Department of Health website.
Walk-ins also are accepted at the territory’s Community Vaccination Centers.
St. Croix’s Community Vaccination Center is 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.
On St. Thomas, the Community Vaccination Center is at the Community Health Clinic on the second floor at the Schneider Regional Medical Center.
The Health Department also urges residents to continue following the safety protocols that have been urged since the beginning of the pandemic: practice social distancing, wear a mask when in the company of others outside of those in your household, clean frequently used areas thoroughly, and wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
Virgin Islanders can report a suspected case of COVID-19 by calling 340-712-6299 or 340-776-1519. Further information is available online at the department’s website.
