Patients waiting for the third dose of coronavirus vaccine in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Jack Gates/AFP via Getty Images
Israel on Tuesday lowered the age threshold for vaccinating a third dose of the coronavirus booster for anyone 30 years and older as it continues to fight a surge in infections.
Israel is one of the few countries that has decided to get the third dose of vaccine. This is a policy Criticized by the World Health Organization, Which calls for sending more doses to poorer states.
However, the Israeli Ministry of Health announced a lowering of the age threshold after registering 9,831 new cases on Monday, which is the highest daily record since January.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett argued that given Israel’s relatively small population, its enhanced injection program will not affect global stocks, but will provide quick data on the effectiveness of the third dose of the vaccine, which will help The global fight against the pandemic.
On Tuesday, he described Israel as “a global pioneer in the third dose of vaccine.”
More than 5.4 million Israelis received the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine twice, accounting for 58% of the population, and more than 1.5 million received three doses.
Israel was one of the first countries to launch a large-scale vaccination campaign, which started in December and successfully reduced the infection rate, but the surge in cases was mainly due to the highly contagious Delta variant.
Bennett has stated that he is committed to avoiding a blockade that once again paralyzes the economy, and believes that the recent surge can be controlled by expanding vaccination and promoting the use of masks.
We live in a world where facts and fiction are blurred
In uncertain times, you need news that you can trust.Just for R75 per month, You can access a world of in-depth analysis, investigative news, popular opinions, and a range of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest in the future today.
