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The V.I. Dept. of Health said Friday it will follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's lead and provide second Covid-19 booster shots to people over the age of 50 and those who are immunocompromised.
The CDC on Tuesday recommended the booster shot for people over 50 after the Food and Drug Administration made the selfsame decision. "These updated recommendations acknowledge the increased risk of severe disease in certain populations including those who are elderly or over the age of 50 with multiple underlying conditions, along with the currently available data on vaccine and booster effectiveness," the CDC said.
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky stated, "Boosters are safe, and people over the age of 50 can now get an additional booster 4 months after their prior dose to increase their protection further. This is especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID-19 as they are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time. CDC, in collaboration with FDA and our public health partners, will continue to evaluate the need for additional booster doses for all Americans.”
In the U.S. Virgin Islands, vaccines and boosters remain available at the following locations, according to the V.I. Dept. of Health:
- St. Croix CVC will move to the Charles Harwood Memorial Complex. At this new location the CVC will operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will continue to make vaccines and boosters available to all age groups. Because this new location is a smaller setting, appointments for vaccines/boosters are strongly encouraged.
- On St. Thomas persons seeking vaccines or boosters (for either teens or adults) are advised to go to the Community Vaccine Center (CVC) at located at the Community Health Clinic on the 2nd floor at the Schneider Regional Medical Center.
- The pop up on St. John at the Virgin Islands Port Authority Gravel Lot will continue Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. until further notice.
Parents seeking pediatric vaccines for their children age 5 to 11 on St. Thomas can obtain vaccines at the Maternal, Child Health Clinic in the Elanco Building on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling (340) 777-8227. Parents or guardians need to bring identification for themselves and the child as well as the child’s birth certificate.
Call (340) 777-8227 or visit this website to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also accepted at each of our Community Vaccination Centers.
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