Over 87,000 Elderly Expected to Receive Free Vaccines in New Government Campaign

Government Launches Free Vaccination Drive for Elderly

Oct 16 2024

More than 87,000 people received the seasonal flu vaccine last year, according to Superintendent of Public Health, Professor Charmaine Gauci. This figure was revealed during the launch of this year’s national vaccination campaign, which begins next Monday, as reported by ONE News.

The Ministry for Health and Active Aging has launched its seasonal vaccination campaign, offering free vaccines for individuals aged 65 and over. Minister Jo Etienne Abela announced that, in addition to the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, the Pneumococcal 20 (PCV 20) vaccine will also be provided at no cost.

These vaccines target three common microbes that pose serious risks to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing effort to protect the health of the Maltese and Gozitan communities.

For the first time, local councils will also be able to administer these vaccines, provided that a doctor is present, and records are kept. Minister Abela urged councils to promote the campaign within their localities.

Vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis at several health centers across Malta and Gozo, with flexible hours extending into weekends and public holidays. After December 15, vaccines will still be available by appointment.

This campaign reinforces the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health during the upcoming winter months.

#MaltaDaily

Customers Apologised For Racist Behaviour, Owner Reveals

Oct 16 2024

Taking to social media, restaurant owner at Rebekah’s, Andrew Vella, revealed that the customer involved in the incident wherein they refused service due to the employee’s skin colour reached out to apologise.

Vella said that he did not wish to sensationalise it all, but felt it important to share that the individuals involved personally apologised to the team member.

‘We accepted their apology and are ready to move forward. Thank you to everyone for your incredible support during this time. Your messages of solidarity mean the world to us, and we are grateful to be part of such a caring community.’

‘Now, it’s time to get back to what we love most—cooking and creating unforgettable experiences for you, our dear clients. We look forward to welcoming you all with open arms, as always.’

#MaltaDaily

Dog Duo Bailey & Whiskey ‘Haunt’ Imdina Streets

Oct 16 2024

As halloween edges closer, many start to get into the spooky mood with some ghoulish costumes and maybe even some trick-or-treating.

Among those are Bailey and Whiskey, a local doggy duo who boast up to 8,000 followers on Instagram.

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A post shared by Adventures of Bailey&Whiskey (@bailey_and_whiskey)

Bailey and Whiskey were donned with ghost costumes as they posed and pawed their way around Malta’s silent city of Imdina.

Unfortunately for them, they’re not eliciting any terrified responses. To the contrary, they’re 10 times more adorable.

#MaltaDaily

Desirei Grech Confirmed As Interim Birkirkara Mayor

Oct 16 2024

Nationalist councillor Desirei Grech has been confirmed as the mayor of Birkirkara for another temporary three-month term due to a continued deadlock in the local council over the mayoral appointment.

Despite recent meetings, the council has failed to resolve the stalemate.

According to the Local Councils Act, if no agreement is reached, the candidate from the party with the most votes assumes the mayoral post for three months, with the possibility of extensions if the deadlock continues.

In the June elections, the Nationalist Party (PN) received the most votes, but both the PN and the Labour Party (PL) won an equal number of council seats.

The remaining seat went to independent councillor Kaylocke Buhagiar, a former Labour councillor.

Buhagiar has refused to support either party’s candidate for mayor, instead seeking the role for himself.

In July, Labour’s popular councillor, Yana Borg Debono Grech, blocked a party plan to nominate Buhagiar as mayor.

The Labour Party later offered Buhagiar a half-term mayorship of two-and-a-half years, but he declined.

#MaltaDaily