The V.I. Dept. of Health announced Saturday that Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine is now available in the USVI for children ages 12-15. The announcement follows the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the vaccine for children of the aforementioned ages. 

The Virgin Islands Department of Health has adopted this new change and pleased to say that children ages 12 to 15 can be vaccinated for COVID-19 locally as well,” D.O.H. said in its release.

D.O.H. said it has reported almost 400 Covid-19 positive cases in individuals 0 to 17 years old. This latest development will lower the risk of children becoming severely ill with the Covid-19 virus, the department said.

D.O.H. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Janis Valmond shared her optimism for achieving community immunity with the recent expansion of the Pfizer vaccine’s availability. “I’m encouraging parents to make the choice to vaccinate their children against Covid-19. This pandemic has interrupted the lives of everyone — especially children who have not been able to learn or socialize normally. This opportunity will help us get on the road normalcy,” she said.

According to the release, until now, only individuals age 16 and up could receive the Pfizer vaccine in the U.S. Virgin Islands. In late March, Pfizer announced that clinical trials found “100 percent efficacy and robust antibody responses” in study participants who were 12 to 15 years old. 

With this announcement, the territory pushes closer to reaching Governor Albert Bryan goal of vaccinating 50,000 unique individuals by July 1, D.O.H. said.

Parents or guardians with specific concerns or questions about their child’s health should contact their child’s pediatrician.   

The Community Vaccination Centers on St. Croix and St. Thomas offer the Pfizer vaccine. To schedule yourself or your child, please visit covid19usvi.com/vaccines or call (340) 777-8227.  

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