Education, Teachers' Union to Host Territory-Wide Vaccination Drive to Boost Vaccination Rates

The V.I. Department of Education in partnership with American Federation of Teachers Local 1825 in the St. Thomas-St. John District and Local 1826 in the St. Croix District, will host a three-day territory-wide vaccination drive on Sept. 20, 22 and 24 aimed at increasing low vaccination rates among Department of Education employees, D.O.E. made known via release late Thursday.

Employees participating in the drive will be granted one day administrative leave and receive giveaways.

As of Sept. 16, V.I. Department of Health records show that only 42.1% of all VIDE employees are fully vaccinated (42.6% - STTJ; 41.6% - STX), while 7.7% are partially vaccinated (8.6% - STTJ; 6.9% - STX), and 50.2% are unvaccinated (48.9% STTJ; 51.5% STX), Education said.

“While I respect everyone’s right to choose, I encourage all to get the Covid-19 vaccine and continue to save lives,” said St. Croix Federation of Teachers President Rosa Soto-Thomas. “The numbers tell the story.”

Vaccinations will be conducted in D.O.H. mobile van units at designated locations.

On Mon, Sept. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Croix employees may visit the Charles Harwood Complex (facing Queen Mary Highway) and St. Thomas employees may visit the Charlotte Amalie High School (in front the Ruth E. Thomas Auditorium) to receive the vaccine.

On Wed., Sept. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m., St. John employees may visit the Port Authority Gravel Yard in Cruz Bay to receive the vaccine.