The government will be aiming to vaccinate 85% of all adults against Covid-19, Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne said in Parliament today.

A few weeks ago, Malta reached the well awaited herd immunity, at 70%. However, the virus has been mutating as a more aggressive and contagious one, which might render the 70% of adults vaccinated not effective enough, he said.

“Right now, the whole world is experiencing an increase in cases because of the Delta variant. The numbers are increasing in some countries, in some cases catastrophically,” he said.

“The Indian variant worries us because it is more infective. Those who did not receive the vaccine are at risk of being infected with it,” he remarked.

The Health Minister noted that Malta now has 73% of adults who are fully vaccinated against the virus. However, he noted that “with the Indian variant, the 70% herd immunity may not be enough.”

This is why the Government will try to reach an “ambitious” 85% of all adults vaccinated.

“What is for sure is that with this virus, you cannot be arrogant. We need to be prudent not arrogant, even when it comes to relaxing measures,” he said.

When it comes to children, the Health Minister also said that if until the end of next week the eligible children do not receive an invitation, the guardians of those children should send an email to [email protected].