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VI shortens time for AstraZeneca second dose to 4-8 weeks apart

- as expiration date for current vaccines stock is the end of July 2021
Health Officials in the Virgin Islands (VI) have shortened the 10–12 week intervals for the second dose of the AstraZeneca jabs, to 4 to 8 weeks, as the current stock of vaccines near its expiration. Photo: Facebook/File
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Irad Potter said that although the AstraZeneca vaccine produces a greater antibody response within a 10 to 12-week dose interval, a 4 to 8-week regime will still meet the threshold for full vaccination status. Photo: Facebook/File
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Irad Potter said that although the AstraZeneca vaccine produces a greater antibody response within a 10 to 12-week dose interval, a 4 to 8-week regime will still meet the threshold for full vaccination status. Photo: Facebook/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Health Officials in the Virgin Islands (VI) have shortened the 10–12 week intervals for the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine to 4 to 8 weeks, as the current stock of vaccines near expiration.

Information coming out of the Ministry of Health suggests the adjustment will ensure that as many residents as possible can be fully vaccinated before its stock of AstraZeneca vaccine expires by its end of July expiration date.

4 to 8-week interval will still generate enough antibodies - Dr Potter 

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Irad Potter said that although the AstraZeneca vaccine produces a greater antibody response within a 10 to 12-week dose interval, a 4 to 8-week regime will still meet the threshold for full vaccination status.

Persons who have not yet received their first dose of the vaccine are being encouraged to do so up until Friday, July 2, 2021, to guarantee a second dose.

“Arrangements for the shipment of additional doses have not been confirmed due to various constraints affecting the global supply of AstraZeneca vaccines. Cold chain and logistics requirements that limit the Territory’s access to other approved COVID-19 vaccines add to the uncertainty of future supply,” the Health Ministry said in a release.

Discussions ongoing for more vaccines

Dr Potter noted; however, discussions are ongoing with Public Health England and the COVAX Facility regarding vaccine supply to the Territory and he promised to provide more information once agreements have been finalised.

He said that in light of stringent manufacturer requirements, the onward transportation of vaccines from the VI to another country may not be feasible, as such, residents are being encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity while supplies last.

According to the lastest update from Government on May 31, 2021, some 17, 866 vaccines have been administered in the VI. 11, 917 have received a first dose and 5,949 have received both of their shots.

Information on vaccination locations can be found via the Registration forms located at the following link https://ministryofhealth.gov.vg/vaccines.

20 Responses to “VI shortens time for AstraZeneca second dose to 4-8 weeks apart”

  • trevor (03/06/2021, 19:12) Like (21) Dislike (77) Reply
    Good call, 2 doses guarantees you will not die nor get seriously ill, what more can you expect?
    The anti-Vaxers are screaming 6 month old lies, while the scientific community plods on with expanding on thorough, peer-tested knowledge.
    The purpose of science is to better mankind, that all.
    the lone man on the internet with no one else supporting him is alone for a reason. He dun lie!
    keep it simple, protect yourself from a known killing virus!
  • Cant wait (03/06/2021, 19:13) Like (30) Dislike (7) Reply
    The second dose going make yuh wuk up like you in a jam
  • Local (03/06/2021, 19:19) Like (20) Dislike (7) Reply
    Where is the science.
    • @local (03/06/2021, 23:16) Like (19) Dislike (5) Reply
      Yes, I’d like to know where is the science that says you can change the protocol like that?
  • omg (03/06/2021, 19:56) Like (164) Dislike (8) Reply
    84 days to what??? 28 - 56 days?? Like the smart person above asked, where is the science? I suppose the instructions say 84 days between shots for, a REASON. Probably a GOOD REASON.

    In Covid ravaged India they have to wait 84 days between shots, but the BVI, is magically different.

    Whoever, wishes to be a guinea pig, for the Transhumanists to make a "better mankind" according to Trevor, rush and volunteer yourself. Me I am happy with how Jesus made me. I will abstain from unapproved, improving concoctions.
    • lawdy (04/06/2021, 12:35) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
      WOW, Janjaweed is prohibited by law but yet still man kind put it into their bodies by the way of smoking it or even making tea from it because it is not good for us. So what is the difference between the Janjaweed and the science for the vaccine?
    • wow (04/06/2021, 14:17) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
      How quickly we forget. The original doses administered in the VI were for the shorter period. The time between was extended later as studies showed that the longer time creates a greater antibody response. As the article stated, the antibodies created with the reduction still meets the threshhold. So.....what is the problem?
  • Lab rats (03/06/2021, 22:15) Like (29) Dislike (4) Reply
    They only change it from cause it near expiration date. Let that sink in.
  • Persian Messenger (03/06/2021, 23:55) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    This is madness
  • Albert (04/06/2021, 07:04) Like (10) Dislike (8) Reply
    The BVI is not alone with the high percentage of antivaccers. Numbers around the world show that less educated people and people without internet access are reluctant to be vaccinated.
    • @Albert (05/06/2021, 02:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      It's pure hogwash you are talking, I have internet access 24/7 and I'm not taking it so come again with that nonsense
  • Leave them alone (04/06/2021, 07:50) Like (6) Dislike (18) Reply
    WHEN THE NEXT STRAIN OF COVID HIT, THEY WILL BE SCRAMBLING TO TAKE THE VACCINE WHICH THEY WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS TIME AROUND. MY FAMILY AND I IS FULLY VACCINATED SO THEREFORE IT IS NOT OUR PROBLEM TO WORRY ABOUT WHO CHOOSE NOT TO BE VACCINATED.
    • @Leave them alone (04/06/2021, 09:49) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
      VIRUS PUTTING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN FEAR...SO YOU GUYS ONLY FEAR CORONA BUT DON'T HAVE ANY FEAR FOR HIV AIDS HOW COME AYO AIN TAKE A VACCONE FOR THAT TOO!?!?!?!?
    • Scottish Highlander (04/06/2021, 10:56) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      Good for you and your family. You might have immunity but not immortality
    • @Leave them alone (04/06/2021, 14:14) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      We had a first strain ?
  • WHAT!!! (04/06/2021, 08:19) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    Change the period between shots from what is recomended so our vaccine use by date will not expire? This is crazy.
  • Well..D.#9- voter (04/06/2021, 11:55) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    You all playin russian roulette. Like they always say common sense always beat book sense. SMH
  • IF THEY ONLY KNOW!!! (04/06/2021, 19:45) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    MUST WATCH ON NETFLIX - THE BARRIER


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