Malta secures flu vaccines through Italy, despite warnings of delays

Tens of thousands of flu vaccine doses have reached Malta through help from Italy, despite warnings of delays, Health Minister Ian Borg has announced

In a Facebook post on Friday, Borg said reports suggested a global supply shortage would leave Malta unable to obtain the flu vaccine: "In less than 24 hours, we secured the tens of thousands of vaccine doses we need." 

He said that the importer awarded the contract had told the government a few days earlier that vaccines wouldn't be delivered before January.

Borg said contacts he had built over the years, along with help from neighbouring Italy, allowed Malta to secure the doses within 24 hours of being informed.

The shipment then arrived in less than a week, beating the original schedule.

Medical staff would now decide the best time to begin vaccinations, he said, with the government also working with local councils to reach more people.

Borg thanked everyone who helped bring the doses to Malta and urged those who usually take the vaccine, or are advised to do so, to follow the health authorities’ guidance.

He said people should take the vaccine when the time comes to help prevent illness and keep the population healthier.