Limited supplies of the Covid-19 vaccine are now available on the island after the manufacturer extended the shelf life of old supplies.

Last night a government spokeswoman said that more than 1,000 doses of the drug had been placed in cold storage in June after they passed their sell-by date.

But that expiration date has now been extended by the manufacturer – and the vaccine can now be administered to members of the public.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said: “Fortunately we did not destroy the doses that were left at the end of our mass vaccine programme last month.

These doses have been well preserved in a sealed box in our ultra low temperature freezer, and are available from this week through participating pharmacies and GP offices.“

The Government stopped its vaccination programme earlier this year after 70 per cent of the population received two doses of the drug. Fresh supplies of the vaccine are expected to be delivered from the UK next month.

Ayoola Oyinloye said, the island’s chief medical officer, said that tests showed that the vaccine had a longer shelf life than first though.

Dr Oyinloye said: “The manufacturers did stability tests on their vaccines post marketing, and it has shown that the vaccines remained stable for longer than originally anticipated.

“We are expecting another 5,800 adult and 400 children coronavirus vaccines at the end of September.”

“Vaccines will be available through the Hamilton Health Centre for people without health insurance and those with HIP and FutureCare, by appointment only, no walk-ins. They will also be available at participating pharmacies and GP offices.”