As seasonal viruses and COVID-19 circulate in the territory, the public is urged to be vigilant. This call is particularly pertinent following the influx of visitors during the holidays, Acting Health Commissioner Reuben Molloy announced Friday.
“We are receiving more and more calls about the flu and viruses spreading in the territory, and we encourage the public to take precautions to protect against contracting and spreading the flu and COVID,” Molloy said. “The flu and the COVID vaccines are the most effective methods to prevent severe symptoms and curb the spread of these viruses. Additional preventive measures include practicing good hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when feeling unwell.”
Molloy acknowledged that current reports indicate low numbers of both COVID and flu cases, with 15 COVID cases reported last week and seven flu cases in December. However, he cautioned that it may take up to two weeks to see a spike post-large gatherings due to the viruses’ incubation period, people falling ill, and subsequent testing and reporting, according to the press release.
Both COVID and the flu present with similar symptoms, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea, the press release stated.
Older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Most people who get the flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people may develop complications (such as pneumonia) because of the flu, some of which can be life-threatening. This includes individuals 65 years and older, individuals with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, and pregnant women. Children younger than five years, but especially those younger than two years old, are also at high risk, the release stated.
“We urge the public to prioritize their health by getting vaccinated against COVID and the flu, especially the elderly and young children who are most susceptible to severe complications,” Molloy said.
The Health Department continues to offer free COVID testing at the following locations and schedules:
- St. Croix: Adjacent to VIDOH’s red modular in Estate Richmond, weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- St. Thomas: Schneider Regional Medical Center loading dock drive-thru, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- St. John: Wednesdays at the VIPA Parking Lot from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Individuals may also book a test slot by calling the VIDOH Hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Hotline numbers are 340-712-6299 for St. Croix and
340- 776-1519 for St. Thomas-St. John.
The DOH continues to provide the flu vaccine free to the public.
The COVID vaccine is also offered at no cost to the uninsured population and to those who are underinsured, meaning their insurance does not cover the cost of the COVID vaccine. The department is not yet providing the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals covered by insurance. Insured individuals are advised to visit their private provider or an urgent care facility for the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the release.
“We are working to obtain the updated COVID vaccine for insured individuals,” Molloy said. “As soon we have the COVID for insured individuals in our clinics, we will notify the public.”
The COVID and flu vaccines are available on St. Croix from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday, at the Department of Health clinic located on the second floor of #35 Castle Coakley Unit 5, known as the Old Caribe Home Center Building.
On St. Thomas, vaccinations are available for adults from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday to Thursday, at the Community Health Clinic located at the Schneider Regional Medical Center. For the flu vaccine call 340-774-7477 to make an appointment. Vaccinations are available for children at the Maternal Child Health.
The Community Health Clinic at Morris deCastro Clinic in Cruz Bay, St. John, will offer the flu vaccine to adults 18 years and older and the COVID-19 vaccine for the uninsured and underinsured.
