VALLETTA (Reuters) – Malta will offer COVID-19 booster shots to all of its population after a recent increase in cases, Health Minister Chris Fearne said on Friday.
Malta has the highest number of vaccinated people in the European Union, with 94% of the people having been fully vaccinated.
However, minister Fearne told a press conference that it was clear that the effectiveness of the vaccines was waning after health authorities said the country recorded 40 new cases of the virus on Friday, the highest in six weeks.
“A booster shot will be offered to everyone aged over 12,” he said.
Boosters have already been given to people aged over 70 and others having health conditions which make them vulnerable, with take-up exceeding 75% so far.
Healthcare workers and teachers will get their boosters from next week. The shots will then be offered to other categories of people according to their age in a programme which will continue well into 2022 for the youngest.
He said it was clear that vaccination had made a huge difference in the fight again the virus. While cases had gone up the hospital situation was stable with most patients suffering only mild symptoms, he said.
He ruled out any imminent increase in restrictions to help prevent the spread but said the situation will be closely monitored.
Current restrictions are limited to mask-wearing in closed public spaces and a limit of eight people around restaurant tables.
(Reporting by Christopher Scicluna, Editing by Louise Heavens)
