Israeli leaders on Monday celebrated the country's 5 millionth coronavirus vaccination.
Israel has inoculated more than half its population of 9.3 million and pushed ahead Monday with the reopening of more of its economy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing re-election this month, promised to vaccinate the entire adult population by the end of April, which he said would mean "we are out of the coronavirus crisis."
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left), Health Minister Yuli Edelstein (center, standing) and Janet Lavi-Azulay —the 5 millionth person in Israel to be vaccinated against COVID-19
(Photo: Miriam Elster)
He appeared at a press conference in Tel Aviv with Janet Lavi-Azulay, an Israeli woman who became the 5 millionth person in Israel to be vaccinated. In all, Israel has vaccinated roughly 80% of its adult population, giving decision-makers enough confidence to begin reopening stores, restaurants, health clubs and music clubs in recent days.
Many of these amenities are available only to those who can prove they have been vaccinated or have recovered from the virus.
Israel has won international plaudits for moving quickly to vaccinate its population and has administered over 8.7 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine to its population of 9.3 million. Over 3.7 million Israelis — more than 40% — have received both of the doses required for maximum immunity.
Netanyahu also announced plans to share surplus vaccines with far-flung allies in Africa, Europe and Latin America, but the decision has been frozen by legal questions.
Last Thursday, Netanyahu met with leaders of Denmark and Austria and said the three nations would join forces in the fight against COVID-19 with an investment in research and roll-out of vaccines.