The Covid-19 vaccine has started being administered to around 4,400 elderly people residing in 37 elderly care homes around Malta, the government said in a statement.

Earlier this week, the vaccination process had also started in the St Vincent de Paul residence, where 70 people were being vaccinated each day. This includes the frontliners who are working in the residence.

Vaccinations first began being administered to people aged 85 and over and eventually around 2,000 elderly care home workers will also be vaccinated. These will include those working in state and church run elderly care homes.

Minister for the elderly Michael Farrugia said: "We are aware of the possibility that the vaccine might have some side effects. therefore we have to make sure that there is a plan for the vaccination so that documentation is registered for whoever receives the first vaccination dose."

Farrugia also added that by the end of March, all the elderly care home residents across the country will be vaccinated.