COVID-19: Israel approves fourth vaccine shot for most vulnerable

On Dec 31, 2021

Israel has approved the fourth COVID-19 booster shots for people with weakened immune systems, the top government health official said.

Earlier in the week, the country ran what it called the first major study into whether a fourth round of Pfizer/BioNTech’s vaccines would be effective against Omicron.

However, with results still pending, a final decision on its wider usage remains up in the air.

Israel’s top government health official said that, “For now, the shot would be limited to health workers, those over 60, and those with compromised immune systems like cancer patients and organ transplant recipients.”

Israel was the fastest country to roll out initial vaccinations a year ago, and became one of the first to launch a booster program after observing that immunity waned over time.

Its policies on boosters are being closely watched by other nations including the U.S, that are also considering when to offer additional doses.

Kamila/Reuters