USVI Among Lowest Territories For COVID-19 Vaccinations

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), only 32% of U.S. Virgin Island residents have received at least one vaccine, putting the USVI among the bottom for vaccine ratesin U.S. states and territories. The USVI just barely tops Mississippi (31%), the Marshall Islands (25%) and Micronesia (18%).

Palau leads the pack with 66% of residents having received at least one shot, followed by New Hampshire with 60%.

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At least 44% of all Americans have received a shot. In some cases, one is sufficient though two of the vaccines, Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech, require two injections.

While the USVI lags behind almost every other state, it is not for lack of vaccine availability. The government has held numerous open clinics, in addition to the private practices and businesses offering the vaccine. All at no charge.

The Department of Health has also launched a "Vaccinate to Party Safe" initiative to encourage residents to get vaccinate. Their recent "1 Night, 1 Fête," a carnival party that only vaccinated individuals could attend, was a blatant attempt to encourage vaccinations. Meanwhile, Governor Bryan has repeated his goal of vaccinating 50,000 Virgin Island residents by July 1. In a recent press conference, he called out the "doubting Thomas'" who are resisting getting the vaccine and compared not getting the shot to going to battle without a bullet-proof vest.

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