The Bubble initiative was designed to enhance the current COVID-19 response and mitigation efforts of the Ministry of Health and Social Development, by providing further options and adjusting entry protocols that would support persons wishing to participate.

Travel to USVI required

“Interested residents will be required to travel to St. John, US Virgin Islands to be vaccinated as part of this initiative as due to logistical and regulatory requirements, the named vaccines cannot be brought into the Territory,” a release from the Government Information Service (GIS) said.

VI Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone said the new initiative is in collaboration with the Government of the USVI to reduce some of the challenges that are preventing persons from vaccinating against this deadly disease.

“Some persons did not want the AstraZeneca vaccine and other persons who were not able to be vaccinated for other medical or logistical reasons can now protect themselves with access to the Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson vaccines through this initiative,” he said.

Information on the initiative indicated that 12–17-year-olds will be given priority and these individuals must have a parent or legal guardian accompany them.

“If a parent or legal guardian is not traveling with the child, a notarized letter by the parent allowing the person to accompany the child must be presented,” it noted.

VI Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) said the new initiative is in collaboration with the Government of the USVI to reduce some of the challenges that are preventing persons from vaccinating against this deadly disease.

Persons to fund cost of trip

In addition, an official birth certificate must be presented at the time of vaccination to the USVI Department of Health for each child and the child must have a valid passport and ordinarily meet immigration requirements to enter the USVI

“You must be able to fund all costs associated with getting the vaccine including transportation and logistical costs,” the release stated.

The Health Ministry says Interested persons can register by contacting 852-7525 weekdays between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. More information on other travel exemptions can be found here.