Another 19,500 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine will arrive in Bermuda next week, the Premier, David Burt revealed last night.

The fresh supplies from the UK mean that almost a third of the island’s population could be vaccinated against the virus by the end of March.

Mr Burt said the goal was “a very aggressive target, but without question one that we can achieve”.

The consignment will mean almost 10,000 people can be protected against the coronavirus with the two shot vaccine.

The announcement came after Kim Wilson, the health minister, said that a total of 1,665 people had been given their first dose of the drug since the vaccination programme was launched last week.

Priority for the jabs was given to frontline workers – medical staff, teachers, emergency service personnel and people aged over 80.

Ms Wilson said that the Bermuda Hospitals Board had carried out 738 vaccinations on hospital employees and long term care patients at a special King Edward VII Memorial Hospital clinic.

She added that 887 doses were administered at Government’s vaccination centre at the Police Recreation Club in Prospect, Devonshire.

The centre was set up for emergency services personnel, teachers and those over the age of 80.

The Government also administered another 40 doses to rest home residents.

Ms Wilson said that 58 per cent of the doses have been given to women and 42 per cent to men.

About 32 per cent of the jabs have gone to essential service workers.

Ms Wilson said 7,729 residents had registered so far for the Pfizer vaccine.

A BHB spokeswoman said residents vaccinated last week will have to have a second jab in 21 days time.

She added: “In addition, a second clinic for people to get their first shot will be run in a couple of weeks for people who may feel more comfortable getting vaccinated now they have seen the roll out start.”

Judy Richardson, the BHB’s Chief of Nursing and executive lead for the vaccination programme, said: “I’m so pleased that we have begun vaccination at BHB.

“Right now, there is no better protection available so getting access to the vaccine is great news for people in healthcare and our community.

“We hope, as well, that this is just the start.”

The number of BHB staff who have so far volunteered for the vaccine is only around one third of the organisation’s 1,900 employees.

But Ms Richardson said: “I feel encouraged as more staff are saying they feel more comfortable getting their first shot now they have seen one group go through.

“For this reason, we are planning a second clinic, likely in a couple of weeks.”