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VI to receive 8,000 doses of 'less potent' COVID-19 vaccines from UK next month

- AstraZeneca vaccine yet not approved by FDA in US due to limited data
The United Kingdom (UK) Government will donate and deliver 8,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to the Virgin Islands next month, the Governor's Office announced via a press release today, January 12, 2021. Photo: Business Insider
His Excellency Governor August J. U. Jaspert has said the VI is one of the first places in the region to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine; however, with the vaccine proving to be less potent than the other two approved in the UK and the FDA in the US not approving it for use due to limited data, there may be some concerns about taking the shots by some in the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
His Excellency Governor August J. U. Jaspert has said the VI is one of the first places in the region to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine; however, with the vaccine proving to be less potent than the other two approved in the UK and the FDA in the US not approving it for use due to limited data, there may be some concerns about taking the shots by some in the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
The last COVID-19 update on January 7, 2021, showed the Virgin Islands as having 18 active COVID-19 cases. Photo: Facebook
The last COVID-19 update on January 7, 2021, showed the Virgin Islands as having 18 active COVID-19 cases. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The United Kingdom (UK) Government will donate and deliver 8,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to the Virgin Islands next month, the Governor's Office announced via a press release today, January 12, 2021.

According to the press release, the VI will be receiving the vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, which was given regulatory approval by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency on December 30, 2020, after a rigorous, detailed scientific review by medical experts.

It said the vaccine has already been rolled out to thousands of individuals across the UK and is favoured for its more simple storage requirements compared to other vaccines.

Local Gov't will manage distribution

The Governor's Office said the Government of the Virgin Islands will be responsible for managing the rollout and distribution of the vaccine in the territory, and health officials are working on plans how to most effectively do this following a visit from Public Health England to discuss plans in December.

"Current advice from the World Health Organisation and Public Health England states that as many people as possible should take the vaccine. It will be offered on a voluntary basis in BVI," the press release stated.

His Excellency Governor August J. U. Jaspert said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for BVI. As one of the first places in the region to receive the vaccine, this gives us the opportunity to make these islands one of the safest places to live and visit.”

He added, “it is a clear signal of the UK and BVI’s special partnership and I am thankful to the UK for this generous donation which comes at no cost to BVI. Our Health Services and public officials have been doing a fantastic job to fight COVID-19 and I hope the arrival of the vaccine from the UK will be an extra boost to help defeat the virus.”

Further doses of the vaccine will be provided to the VI by the UK as rollout plans develop, the Governor's Office stated.

The last COVID-19 update on January 7, 2021, showed the Virgin Islands as having 18 active COVID-19 cases.

How effective is vaccine from UK?

The UK now has three different COVID-19 vaccines in use to fight the pandemic; however, the vaccine by AstraZeneca is considered the less potent.

And according to Business Insider on January 8, 2021, there is a reason why AstraZeneca's two-shot vaccine is still missing from the US vaccine arsenal.

The vaccine was developed in partnership with the University of Oxford and was authorized for use across the UK since December 30, 2020, and it's also been cleared to go into arms in India, Mexico, Argentina, and several more countries.

Vaccine ‘less effective’

The FDA; however, is waiting for AstraZeneca to submit its vaccine paperwork, which may not be ready until the spring.

That data, according to Business Insider, came from a vaccine research trial which included more than 5,800 volunteers around the UK, South Africa, and Brazil.

“The results suggested that AstraZeneca's vaccine was 62% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infections when taken as two full-strength shots. That's a much lower potency than both Pfizer and Moderna's shots, which were each more than 90% effective in trials.”

‘Big mistake’ during trial!

Business Insider also reported that the AstraZeneca trial included at least one big mistake. A subset of trial participants under 55 years old were accidentally administered a half-dose first shot, followed by a full-strength second jab.

"That's a pretty serious error," Dr Cody Meissner, chief of pediatric infectious disease at Tufts Medical Center, and one of the vaccine experts on the FDA's advisory committee, told Insider.

It said those patients who had a less potent initial shot, followed by a full-strength booster actually appeared more protected from coronavirus infections, with efficacy surging to 90% in the subgroup. Experts were puzzled by that.

"I won't go to the point of saying that it's not biologically plausible, but it's a little bit odd," Meissner said.

"It generates a little bit of pause, and makes one eager to actually look at the data and see what they found and to understand it a little bit more carefully."

According to Business Insider, the FDA; however, hasn't been offered that data to review for an emergency use authorisation (EUA), which would be required for Americans to start getting vaccinated with the shot.

“Instead, AstraZeneca is going to wait for the results of a larger, US-based trial, where no half-doses are planned,” Insider stated.

Governor Jaspert has said the VI is one of the first places in the region to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine; however, with the vaccine proving to be less potent than the other two approved in the UK and the FDA in the US not approving it for use due to limited data, there may be some concerns about taking the shots by some in the Virgin Islands.

50 Responses to “VI to receive 8,000 doses of 'less potent' COVID-19 vaccines from UK next month”

  • Concerned (12/01/2021, 18:11) Like (22) Dislike (13) Reply
    Oh boy, we guinea pigs now. Why we couldn't get the ones proven to be most effective and with a less shadow hanging over it???
    • @Concerned (12/01/2021, 19:37) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      We can't get the Pfizer vaccine as it has to be transported & stored at minus 70 degrees...
  • Why (12/01/2021, 18:25) Like (14) Dislike (14) Reply
    Seems like a trial and error scenario. Why are we accepting this?
    • @Why (12/01/2021, 19:38) Like (12) Dislike (6) Reply
      We are accepting this as this is the vaccine being administered to folks in the UK, and guess what? We are a British territory!!!
      • @@Why (12/01/2021, 23:50) Like (3) Dislike (10) Reply
        That's why we need independence. UK loves us so much that we at the front of the line to get the vaccine but at the back of the line for financial assistance.. I smell a rat.
        • mad max (13/01/2021, 09:52) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
          You are an idiot! UK have vaccinated 2m of their own people and have donated these to us.
      • taxpayer (13/01/2021, 06:58) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
        British rich got effective Pfizer already, poor street people getting less affective vaccine now in UK
        • brian (13/01/2021, 09:52) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
          that is so stupid a comment! facts are both vaccines being used in UK and nothing to do with rich or poor
        • Untruth (13/01/2021, 21:14) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
          The Pfizer vaccines in the UK were prioritised to the vulnerable - ages over 80 and front line workers. None were bought by the rich. Get your facts right!
  • hummm (12/01/2021, 18:40) Like (32) Dislike (6) Reply
    Where can I start lining up for this! If some don't want I am happy to be the 1st one to get it!!!
    • YES SIR (12/01/2021, 20:32) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      I'll be right behind you in line. Where do we go, and is the BVI going to prioritise who gets it first?
    • Local (12/01/2021, 20:44) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
      Go right ahead you will be the first in line and the last in the line all yours
    • Peaches (13/01/2021, 09:56) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
      Go right ahead! I hope you come out of it alive!
    • Space in the line (14/01/2021, 18:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      We will be in a big fight for that front space in the line. This is the vaccine I want. Not the Pfizer, not the Moderna.
  • Informed (12/01/2021, 18:52) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    I'd like to ask a question as need a clear answer as this will effect peoples decision on whether to take the vaccine or not. What is the government protocols for reopening the border when we the people have been vaccinated. Those who have decided and those who have not. The vaccine is not a cure its to allow us to fight the virus and limit the sever symptoms so we will continue to spread COVID. If people are not vaccinated they will have a higher risk of catching it.
    What is the governments position on the reopening to regulare business of the tourism industry. This is a major game changer and we need to know now the details so we can make an informed decision about taking the vaccine.
    I look forward to this information being released.
  • Stop! (12/01/2021, 19:10) Like (33) Dislike (1) Reply

    Why don't you report that we don't have the capacity to store the other vaccines which require special freezers and that this vaccine can be stored using regular refrigeration methods. 

    • Indeed... (12/01/2021, 22:32) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      For that matter, why doesn't the Ministry of Health release public education information on the differences between how the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are produced (mRNA) vs AstraZeneca (adenovirus) in the form of a comparison data sheet leading to the different storage requirements. The public would be better able to make an informed decision that way. The vaccines aren't all the same, after all.
  • Wth?! (12/01/2021, 19:15) Like (12) Dislike (17) Reply
    Why is the BVI receiving Astra Zeneca that’s not approved by FDA and lower potency?!!! Why do we stand for this nonsense is mind boggling!!
    • @Wth? (12/01/2021, 19:40) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
      Because it is a UK vaccine that has been approved in the UK....
    • Astra (12/01/2021, 19:41) Like (27) Dislike (3) Reply
      It's approved by the UK regulator which is good enough for me. Also how would we keep the Pfizer one cold enough? We can't keep chicken frozen here reliably; let alone vaccine that needs to be stored at -70.
    • Rubber Duck (12/01/2021, 20:01) Like (16) Dislike (4) Reply
      All the vaccines are equally effective in suppressing the disease. Not one person who took the Oxford vaccine or either of the others developed any serious symptoms. So even the very few who caught the disease after vaccination did not suffer badly from it. Not a single one was hospitalized. The Oxford vaccine is approved by the British board of control and by lots of other countries. The other vaccines need deep cold storage at down to minus 70 degrees. BVI does not have the facilities to handle that. The Oxford vaccine needs only a chill like a domestic refrigerator and we can handle that. The UK has vaccinated 2.4 million people so far. Mostly using the Oxford vaccine which is easier and quicker to produce than the others. Not one single person is reported as having any adverse reaction. Every BVIslander should get themselves vaccinated as soon as possible. Kill this disease and get our economy back running so we fix the harm that people are suffering from the recession.
  • rewrsdffds (12/01/2021, 19:20) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    Vaccinate all that want it on Jost Van Dyke, Anegada and Virgin Gorda and the OAP's on Tortola
    • @ok (12/01/2021, 19:42) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
      Good! If you don't want to be vaccinated then there will be another person waiting in line to get their shot.
  • Greatful (12/01/2021, 20:04) Like (25) Dislike (6) Reply
    Thanks UK for your help.during hurricane Irma and now covid19
    • resident (13/01/2021, 21:57) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Quite right! We are so lucky to be a Territory of the U.K.! They look out for us despite all the nonesense





  • Man of God in Jesus name (12/01/2021, 20:29) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
    You have clearly stated the the vaccine that is offered and coming to the B.V.I is weaker vaccine, not yet approved, maybe sometime in the spring or there about. Why offer us lest than the best available one. Are we trial horses? Are we inferior? We deserve the best, not a trial test to see if it will work. Where is the fight in you Mr. Premier? We need our independece from weak trial vaccines to stronger approved ones. It is not the size of the man that fight wins, but rather it is the size of the fight that comes out of the man. Got it?
    • Rubber Duck (13/01/2021, 09:26) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ignorant fool. Go and sit down.
    • @Man of God in Jesus name (13/01/2021, 09:27) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      You clearly have no idea what is going on. The vaccine has not yet been approved in the USA because of paperwork. The vaccine has been approved in the UK, Europe and many other large countries and has been administered to millions already. Read up about it instead of typing nonsense online. We are not being
  • mad max (12/01/2021, 21:01) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    I like reading all these idiotic responses, it means I’ll get my vaccination quicker. Thanks
    • @mad max (12/01/2021, 23:19) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Exactly, I will also get mine quicker. The same people that is talking all the BS, did they not get different vaccines when they were born? Did their children not received a series of vaccines when they were born that they consented and sign for? If they don’t want to take the vaccine, that is there problem. I know I will be taking the vaccine.
  • dstretre (12/01/2021, 21:42) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
  • My girl (12/01/2021, 21:54) Like (12) Dislike (6) Reply
    That’s all we get from the uk some half bake vaccine not approved by the USA????

    They need to stop in with their public spin this is an insult to the people
  • Eagle Eye (12/01/2021, 22:00) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    Think i should build a funeral home fast, business will bloom just now with all these blind mice's around here blogging.
  • About. (12/01/2021, 22:31) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    https://www.bbc.com/news/av/health-55625276

    Explains the differences in the 3 vaccines.
  • Actually... (12/01/2021, 22:47) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The half-dose of AstraZeneca followed by the full dose got an efficacy rate of 90% over placebo. The 62% was with two full doses. In addition to cold storage logistics, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines cost more in comparison to the AstraZeneca. Pfizer ($20) and Moderna ($33) also declined to price their vaccines as non-profit in an effort to curb the pandemic, unlike AstraZeneca ($4) who also decided to participate in the international COVAX programme to ensure that developing countries who couldn't bulk order like bigger countries wouldn't get pushed to the fringes and be without vaccines.
    Because, even in a pandemic Pfizer and Moderna need to profit off of illness for the benefit of shareholders, you check?
    Lastly, Pfizer and Moderna are the newer mRNA vaccines using modified genetics to prompt human bodies to generate immune response in the form of antibodies. This will be the first time the mRNA is being used to fight disease (source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-are-mrna-vaccines-so-exciting-2020121021599). AstraZeneca is adenovirus-based; adenovirus vaccines have a much longer history particularly for respiratory diseases and are not as new as mRNA.
    The confusion about efficacy arises from the issue with inadvertent half-dosage. The US is conducting a trial with AstraZeneca and should have the results of that trial by the end of January, so before the vaccine arrives on BVI shores in February. AstraZeneca was trialled with healthy participants aged between 18 and 55. Pfizer and Moderna looked primarily at the virus as a disease of older persons and so focused on the over 65s, that's why they're skittish. They're focusing on what's best for the US population. The BVI needs to look at OUR local population, including pulling in census data (see why it's good not to postpone censuses, folks?) and see whether to focus on vaccines for over 65s or for those between 18 and 55. Generally, populations in the global south skew younger, so I would be tempted to say that the more stable vaccine based on previously tested technology which doesn't require subzero storage to remain stable and effective and is relevant for more people in the population is the way forward.
    But, hey, what do I know. I'll leave it up to the Ministry to decide.
    • thank you (14/01/2021, 18:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I have done the research myself and this note you've shared in spot on; you have a lotta time on your hands tho, but seriously, thank you because people are on here talking about things they know absolutely nothing about. The Astra Zeneca vaccine hopefully 1/2 dose up front and full dose on the back is exactly what I want.
  • Pray Jesus (12/01/2021, 23:16) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Thanks the lord for sending this to us. We are saved. I pray he can silence the scooters next
  • Sue (12/01/2021, 23:24) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Some places is keeping a record of who refuse to take the vaccine. Which means you are going to be on the watch list. Can’t travel, your children will not be allowed to enter school etc..
  • Hmmmm (13/01/2021, 04:08) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    how about the Governor get the vaccine first live on tv
    • @hmmm (13/01/2021, 15:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      How are you going to know if he get the same vaccine like everyone else.
  • Just Here for the comments (13/01/2021, 07:16) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    I guess most bloggers have never heard the expression better to keep your mouth shut then to open it and reveal how big of an idiot you really are.
    • um (13/01/2021, 09:34) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Take your own advice until you learn how to disagree and communicate respectfully and maturely
  • 20.20.1. (13/01/2021, 07:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    In light of this revelation, I am wondering how the Minister of Health and the Premier are going to convince me and others to take this vaccine. I call on them to make a public statement about it. VINO of course will inform us about what they say.
  • johnny (13/01/2021, 15:33) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thank you UK for all the help you have given us and keep giving us. I will take this vaccine like I took the vaccines when I was young.
  • ... (13/01/2021, 15:42) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    first time in 20 years we got something from the UK
  • Ridiculous (13/01/2021, 16:21) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    Again this pitiful incompetent excuse of a governor couldn’t even get us 30k vaccines......!

    Bermuda, Cayman already vaccinating themselves with the better one.

    They have far better competent governors & it shows.

    It’s a life and death matter now. When is this dreadful gus man leaving???
    • @ridiculous (14/01/2021, 09:14) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Life and death? How many people have died of Covid in BVI so far?
  • sense (13/01/2021, 18:58) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    @ Ridiculous you need 60, 000 doses -ick


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