The island’s much anticipated supply of Covid-19 vaccines has arrived after a delay in tracking down a fresh source in time for the heightened risk of respiratory illness over winter.

Arrival of the vaccines comes within weeks of a spike in illnesses, including influenza and RSV, reported by the Department of Health.

The Government has confirmed that a fresh stock of doses has touched down in Bermuda, with efforts under way to organise “logistics for distribution”.

“Comprehensive details of the Covid-19 vaccination programme will be available in the coming days,” a Ministry of Health spokeswoman said.

Previously, the vaccines had been expected in time for the advent of flu season.

The Royal Gazettereported last month that health ministry officials were working with the British Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office to get booster doses — but that Overseas Territories continued to struggle to get their stocks renewed.

The announcement came on the heels of news that the Cayman Islands had received a shipment of Covid-19 boosters from Britain.

The Cayman Compass reported on Monday that after several delays caused by British supply-chain challenges, the Overseas Territory had received a fresh supply of vaccines.

Nick Gent, the Chief Medical Officer of the Cayman Islands, told the newspaper: “The vaccines are free to us, but the Cayman Islands Government is covering the transportation cost.”

He added that the supply was expected to last through this winter and next as the island transitions to offering the vaccine seasonally for the elderly and otherwise vulnerable.

Previously, the Bermuda Government cited “unavoidable delays experienced for all UK Overseas Territories” but said efforts were under way to expedite the delivery.