Limited supplies of the latest Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine have been made available in the Cayman Islands, with priority given to those who fall within vulnerable and high-risk groups, the Public Health Department said in a press release on 29 Aug.
The announcement comes as increased numbers of cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the United States, with data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing the states of Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas and Oklahoma having the highest rates of infection. Numerous other states, particularly in Americas Southeast and West, are also reporting more cases of COVID-19.
“As of August 26, 2025, we estimate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 31 states,” the CDC stated.
CDC data indicates that Stratus – also known as XFG – an Omicron subvariant, is the predominant variant in the United States right now, with Nimbus – another omicron subvariant – still also causing infections. Although there is no evidence that either Stratus or Nimbus cause more severe illness than earlier COVID-19 variants, researchers believe its mutations may allow it to spread more quickly and evade immunity.
The Stratus variant has also been cited as the cause for a spike of COVID-19 cases in the UK in the first weeks of August.
Just two weeks ago, Cayman Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nick Gent, said the COVID-19 was no longer the main respiratory infection in the Cayman Islands.
However, any surge of the illness in the United States – from which more than 80% of Cayman’s tourists come and to which many Cayman residents travel – could bring more cases of COVID-19 to the islands.
Vaccination encouraged for the vulnerable
In a press release issued by Cayman’s Public Health Department, Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez, the medical officer of health said, “The virus continues to circulate, especially affecting our most vulnerable.”
He added, “The Pfizer booster vaccine provides a safe and effective layer of protection, reducing the risk of severe illness. I strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to take advantage of the opportunities to be vaccinated.”
Public Health said the vaccine will be available for children aged 12 and above and adults, with priority given to the elderly, immunocompromised and those with underlying health conditions during the initial limited supply rollout.
For children ages 5–11, priority will be given to those who fall within vulnerable and high-risk groups, as approved by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
“Vulnerable groups include children with chronic respiratory or heart disease, kidney, liver or digestive disorders, neurological conditions such as Down’s syndrome, endocrine disorders, immunosuppression, asplenia, or serious genetic abnormalities affecting multiple systems, as well as children living with vulnerable or immunocompromised individuals,” Public Health said in the news release.
The COVID-19 vaccines are available from 2:30pm to 4pm on weekdays beginning 3 Sept. at District Health Centres and the General Practice Clinic at Smith Road Medical Centre.
The full schedule of dates, times, and locations can be accessed on the HSA website at Public Health | HSA; Both the adult and paediatric Pfizer vaccines have been reviewed and approved by international health authorities to ensure safety and effectiveness.
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