Individuals who opted to vaccinated could have done so without having to leave their vehicles. Photo: GIS
Launching to a massive turnout of vehicles this morning, July 17, 2021, ‘Operation Protect Each Other,’ the first COVID-19 vaccination drive-through initiative in the Virgin Islands (VI) has winded down Saturday as an overall success, with many persons truing out to get vaccinated for the first time. Photo: GIS
Present at the event was Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) along with first lady Mrs Sheila E. Forbes-Fahie and Minister for Health and Social Health Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL). Photo: Team of Reporters
For persons without vehicles, the event also has provisions for walk-in vaccinations. Photo: GIS
Governor of the Virign Islands (VI), H.E. John J. Rankin (CMG) was present at the event doing his part to encourage vaccinations and lending support. Photo: GIS
Carpools were welcomed, and persons were also encouraged to wear short sleeve tops and be prepared to spend some 45m at the venue to complete the vaccination process. Photo: GIS
Volunteers from the BVI Red Cross on scene to render assistance. Photo: GIS
H.E. John J. Rankin stands alongside VI Minister of Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone at the first COVID-19 vaccination drive-through initiative in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Team of Reporters
WICKHAM’S CAY II, Tortola, VI – Launching to a massive turnout of vehicles this morning, July 17, 2021, ‘Operation Protect Each Other,’ the first COVID-19 vaccination drive-through initiative in the Virgin Islands (VI) has winded down today Saturday as an overall success, with many persons turning out to get vaccinated for the first time.
The drive-through initiative held at Festival Grounds, Wickham’s Cay II, Tortola, from 09:00 am up until 05:00 pm this afternoon, saw healthcare workers administer both the first and second dose of the AstraZeneca jab, free of cost to persons in cars and some walk-in individuals.
Present at the event was Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) along with first lady Mrs Sheila E. Forbes-Fahie; Minister for Health and Social Health Development, Hon Carvin Malone (Al), along with Governor of the Territory, H.E. John J. Rankin (CMG).
We must achieve herd immunity - Hon Malone
Health Minister Hon Malone speaking to the media said the event is part of initiatives to do ‘whatever can be done’ to counter the adverse effects of the current COVID-19 outbreak in the territory and ‘get back on our feet.’
“We must be able to get to herd immunity… this is a global issue were are face with,” he said relating to countering local vaccine hesitancy, which Hon Malone indicated will come once everyone in the territory 'do their part to get vaccinated'.
Other persons on the scene for the drive-through vaccination included volunteers from the BVI Red Cross, the Rotary Club, the Lions Club, the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) along with other service professionals.
The vaccination drive will be continuing tomorrow, Sunday, July 18, 2021, at the same location for the second round of weekend vaccinations amidst a rising number of COVID-19 related deaths, which currently stands at 14 total in the territory as of July 17, 2021.
19 Responses to “PHOTO of the Day: ‘Operation Protect Each Other’ launch day a success”
Let’s hope today is repeated over and over until we beat this!
But this vaccination drive should have done from inception but it had to take a few deaths for persons to come to reality.
I would have thought there will be traffic jam with folks fighting to get vaccinated…. That is it?