Israel has authorized a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to the most vulnerable population, becoming one of the first countries to do so as it prepares for a wave of infections driven by the omicron variant.
Nachman Ash, the director general of the Ministry of Health, announced the decision at a press conference, noting that the doses will initially be administered to those with weakened immune systems.
“We will continue to track the data daily and see if it is necessary to extend this recommendation to more groups of the population,” he explained.
Israel was among the first countries to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer a year ago and began offering the booster doses last summer. But even so, it registered a wave of infections caused by the delta variant, and the authorities have warned of another rebound driven by the omicron.
About two-thirds of Israel’s population of the roughly 9.5 million have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and nearly 4.2 million Israelis have received three doses, according to the latest figures from the Ministry. of health.
On the same Thursday, Israel received its first shipment of pills that treat the worst symptoms of COVID-19.
Israel is among the first countries to receive Paxlovid from Pfizer, a pill that can be taken at home and prevents the most serious symptoms of the coronavirus. All previously licensed drugs require an IV or injection.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said the shipment would help Israel “successfully overcome the peak of the next wave” caused by omicron.
Israeli media reported that the first shipment contains about 20,000 doses, with more expected to arrive as Pfizer ramps up production.
Israel currently has more than 20,000 active COVID-19 patients, including more than 90 critically ill. At least 8,243 people have died from the disease in the nation since the start of the pandemic.
Last week, Chile announced that it would begin offering a fourth dose in February. Chile has reported almost 86% of its population fully vaccinated, making it the country with the highest level of immunization against coronavirus in Latin America.
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Associated Press journalist Joseph Krauss in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
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