When the government first announced that Covid-19 vaccinations were going to start being administered, concerns were raised that elderly residents from Mellieħa, St. Paul’s Bay and Naxxar were being given appointments to go to the Mosta Health Centre.

PN MP Robert Cutajar addressed this issue on the 10 January and appealed for this decision to be reconsidered. This came after a number of residents from the 10 district complained to Cutajar. He went on to say that these people are vulnerable, elderly and rely on family members for transport to and from the vaccination centre. “Without a doubt this will discourage residents from taking the vaccine” Cutajar said.

Cutajar also pleaded with the relevant authorities for this decision to be changed. He said that there are multiple places in Mellieħa which could be used for this purpose. “Through this, residents will find the process more convenient and be further encouraged to go to take the vaccine.”

In a comment given to this newsroom, the health ministry said that “since the first cohorts of the covid-19 vaccines will be administered to the elderly and the vulnerable, a clinical decision was taken to use the health centres, as these are fully equipped for any medical emergencies if the need arises”.