Members of the Armed Forces of Malta have started to receive their Covid-19 vaccinations. 

In a joint statement, the Health Ministry and Home Affairs Ministry said that members of the AFM’s medical team are administering the vaccine at the army’s Luqa general headquaters, with an additional centre being added at the disciplined forces’ academy in Ta’ Kandja in the coming days. 

The statement read that thousands of workers, chief amongst them police officers, soldiers, prison officials, firefighters, community officials, and workers who work in the immigration sector, will be vaccinated during this phase of the vaccination process.

The first vaccinations were watched by Health Minister Chris Fearne and Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri. 

Fearne praised all workers in the disciplined forces, saying that they were a shoulder for us during difficult times.  He thanked the AFM for how they did their part in the country when the vaccine arrived, and also in administering the vaccine. 

Camilleri explained how the lives of these members changed in the past months as they had to adapt to new realities.  He said that in the true moment of trial they were called upon, be it to enforce quarantine, or to enforce mitigation measures against Covid-19, or to keep essential services going, the country had found these workers and they will continue to find them. 

The fact that they are receiving the vaccine will mean that they are more prepared for the coming weeks and months, Camilleri said.