Israel is going to offer a fourth dose of the vaccine against Covid-19 to people over 60 years of age or with compromised immune systems and health workers, as part of a campaign to boost inoculation and anticipate the spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
A group of experts from the Ministry of Health – whose conclusions have not yet been implemented – recommended on Tuesday that people who meet the requirements receive the fourth vaccine at least four months after receiving the third.
The first Minister, Naftali Bennett, which has tried to get more Israelis to go for vaccines, welcomed the panel’s statement as “great news that will help overcome the wave of Omicron that is spreading all over the world. “
The panel further recommended that the time allotted between the second and third vaccines be reduced from five to three months.
These measurements would be “part of the preparations for the fifth wave” of the pandemic, according to the panel’s statement, which did not present specific data behind the recommendations.
“We are seeing a decrease in protection against infection by Omicron. This wave is growing to a surprisingly high number … More than 80% of the panel supported this measure, “Arnon Shahar, doctor of the expert panel, told Israel Army Radio.
After showing one of the fastest vaccine distributions globally, Israel has seen the inoculation rate stagnate. About 62% of its 9.4 million residents have received two doses, according to the ministry.
The Bennett government acted swiftly against Ómicron, on November 25 prohibited foreigners from entering Israel and this week expanded a list of high-risk countries to which its citizens should not travel, to include the United States.
Reference-www.eleconomista.com.mx