Moderna vaccine approved for 12 to 17 year olds by EU medicines agency

Jul 24 2021

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved the use of the Moderna vaccine among youths between the ages of 12 and 17. This means Malta can now start using the jab on this age group, with the second injection given four weeks after the first.

Before this new approval, the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine was the only one being used on this same age group. In an ongoing study that was carried out in accordance with Moderna’s paediatric investigation plan, the effects of this jab were researched in a study involving 3,732 children aged 12 to 17.

The study confirmed Moderna producing a comparable antibody response in this age group as it did in the 18 to 25 group. The EMA concluded that the efficacy of the vaccine in this age group was comparable to that in adults, ruling that the safety and efficacy of the jab far outweighed the risks posed by the virus.

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Photo Source: Open Access Government

Fully vaccinated people could get 5 day quarantines instead of 14

Jul 24 2021

In an interview with Health Minister Chris Fearne by Times of Malta, it was revealed that fully vaccinated people who come into contact with COVID-19 positive individuals could be subject to a less than 14-day quarantine. The plan, which is still being worked out by health authorities, could see fully vaccinated people exiting self-isolation after just five days and a negative PCR test result. This was first implemented during a pilot study with Mater Dei Hospital frontlines, but the structure could soon be brought into the public for use.

This follows after the Malta Chamber motioned to ease quarantine rules for fully vaccinated individuals, with chamber president Marisa Xuereb stating that if the vaccines truly break chain of contagion, measures should be eased and made more pragmatic. The Deputy Prime Minister stated that the rules could be eased if the number of COVID-19 patients receiving hospital treatment remains low, and that the public should be informed by the end of the month if this is to be implemented.

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Photo Source: Chris Fearne FB, WHHY

Daniel Umanah set to continue his charity work in Nigeria

Jul 23 2021

Local influencer Daniel Umanah is set to return to his father’s village in Nigeria and continue the charity work he started in 2019. Laying the foundations of the community-work, he and his colleagues contributed to the village of IKOT IMO in the ABAK L.G. Area. His father left his footmark in the village by funding the building of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and Daniel seeks to continue the legacy. He revealed how, as a Maltese nurse, he felt a need to take a small fraction of the Maltese generosity and health care standards to the village.

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A post shared by Daniel Umanah (@danielumanahofficial)

Raising €4,000 two years ago, the pandemic unfortunately did not allow them to raise any more money. With his next visit due however, he revealed how he has acquired all the necessary permits thanks to the Malta Police Force and Bank of Valletta. He asks people to donate any money they are willing to give in order to continue his charity work in Nigeria. Well done for the initiative Daniel!

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Photo Source: @danielumanahofficial

X-Factor fan favourite Celine Agius’s weight loss journey is truly inspiring

Jul 23 2021

Celine Agius quickly became a fan favourite as she competed in X-Factor Malta’s second season. With a stunning voice and amazing personality to match, the star has since been working super hard to improve her own health after it started to affect her personal life. In an emotional post, Celine revealed how she managed to lose 45 kilograms as she reflected on how things like a 5 minute walk or standing up on her own two feet were painful and tiring.

She stated that there is no secret to the journey but believing in the strength one has within. She revealed how the doctor told her she has to implement change immediately or suffer severe health conditions for life. She revealed how she was addicted to food and that going up stairs was almost impossible due to her suffering from lymphedema. She ended her powerful message by stating that if she could overcome such arduous challenges, it should inspire others to undertake the journey themselves. Well done Celine!

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Photo Source: Cel Gius FB