- The Virgin Islands first administered COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna to staff and residents of nursing homes and assisted living communities, adults 65 and older, those with kidney failure, plus emergency medical services and health care workers as part of Phase 1A of its vaccine distribution plan. The U.S. territory now has advanced to Phase 1B and began distributing vaccines to all residents 16 and older with severe-health problems; first responders; and frontline staff of select government and private employers who engage with the public, including teachers and grocery workers.
- The next phase, 1C, will grant vaccinations to residents who work in communications, energy, finance, food services, information technology, the media, legal services, shelters and housing, as well as water and waste management. However, a firm date has not yet been set.
- Check the online COVID-19 vaccine page for more information or call the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency hotline at 340-715-6843.
- Vaccine news is changing quickly, and we’ll be expanding this guide in days ahead, so check back for updates.
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When can older adults get the vaccine?
All adults 65 and older are eligible now to be inoculated. Additionally, all residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, patients in kidney failure, and emergency medical and health care workers are part of Phase 1A.
The Virgin Islands started Phase 1B on Jan. 4 and began distributing vaccines to all first responders; frontline staff of select local and federal agencies that engage with the public, such as teachers and grocery workers; and residents with severe health problems. The Virgin Islands’ vaccine phase page details who is eligible in each phase.
AARP is fighting for older Americans to be prioritized in getting COVID-19 vaccines because the science has shown that older people are at higher risk of death.
Where can I get a vaccine?
The vaccine is available at community health clinics, doctors’ offices and pharmacies on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. A list of each provider and its phone number is provided in the lower portion of the islands’ COVID vaccine page.
Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses. If you get one of these vaccines, you’ll need a follow-up dose — three weeks later for the Pfizer shot and four weeks later for Moderna’s. Upon getting your first shot, you should receive a vaccination card noting the date when the second is due. You may also receive a notification from the state or from your provider.
The CDC has launched a web tool called V-safe that lets you sign up for text message reminders for your second vaccine appointment and report possible side effects.
Do I have to pay for the vaccination?
AARP fought to make sure the federal government is covering the cost of the vaccine itself. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has said the vaccine will be administered free with no copays to Medicare beneficiaries. Some health insurance companies have announced that policyholders will face no out-of-pocket costs.
There are already reports of scammers purporting to offer COVID vaccines and treatments and trying to charge for them. AARP’s Fraud Watch Network is tracking the latest scams.
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