This evening, the Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP, announced that a large shipment of COVID-19 vaccines has arrived in Bermuda.

Upwards of 5,500 doses arrived on today’s British Airways flight from London

The latest shipment of vaccines includes:

1. Pfizer-BioNTech original Adult formulation
2. Moderna Bivalent
3. Pfizer-BioNTech paediatric

Minister Wilson stated, “The Bermuda Government is again grateful to the UK Government for their efforts and generosity that enabled Bermuda to receive this shipment. We appreciate the Governor’s unwavering support and for the assistance of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.”

Arrangements are being made to supply participating GP offices, Pharmacies and Pediatricians with the vaccines to begin administering in the coming weeks. The Ministry of Health and the Bermuda Health Council will have a list of available providers early next week.

Governor Rena Lalgie said, “I am delighted that the UK has been able to provide this 14^th shipment of COVID vaccines to Bermuda to support the efforts of the Government of Bermuda’s vaccination strategy, at no cost to Bermuda.

“The UK remains committed to helping facilitate access to vaccinations and medication that Bermuda needs.”

Minister Wilson continued, “Although fewer people are getting the virus, and there are fewer hospitalisations and fortunately fewer deaths, individuals should protect themselves, their loved ones and our community. We are heading into fall, which is cold and flu season. Vaccination remains the single most important measure to fight the coronavirus.

As reminder vaccines are offered to Bermuda’s residents who meet the following criteria:

1. Patients aged 5 to 11 years old are eligible for a 1st or 2nd dose only. The time between doses must be at least 21 days.
2. Patients aged 12 and above are eligible for 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd dose. The time between the 1^st and 2^nd dose must be at least 21 days. The time between the 2^nd dose and 3^rd dose booster must be at least 5 months.
3. Residents 50 years or older, and immunocompromised residents are eligible for a 4^th or subsequent dose of the COVID-19 vaccine provided their 3^rd dose or previous dose was at least 5 months ago.
4. Health and essential care workers are eligible for a 4^th or subsequent dose of the COVID-19 vaccine provided their 3rd dose or previous dose was at least 5 months ago.

For more information, the roll-out of the fall COVID19 vaccination program visit www.gov.bm/vaccines.