A top health expert said Tuesday that Israel has reached herd immunity against coronavirus and there is currently no pressing need to vaccinate children.
Israel became one of the first countries in the world to lift major restrictions on movement following its high-paced vaccination campaign as the number of new daily COVID cases in the country continues to decrease.
"We have reached herd immunity, without vaccinating children. There is no justification and no need to oblige and press for their vaccination," Dr. Gili Regev-Yochay, director of Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit at Sheba Medical Center, told Ynet.
"On the other hand, the recommendation at the moment is to vaccinate the youth, but anyone can take it on a personal level and decide for themselves," she added.
In the coming days, the Health Ministry is expected to approve the vaccination of children aged 12 and over following a similar approval by the FDA.
U.S. regulators earlier this month authorized Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine for use in children as young as 12.
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Dr. Gili Regev-Yochay, director of Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit at Sheba Medical Center
Meanwhile, Health Minister Yuli Edelstein announced Sunday evening that Israel will not extend most domestic COVID-19 restrictions past June 1 as infection rate remain low throughout the country.
Edelstein said the decision, which will quash all indoor and outdoor caps on gatherings, came following rigorous consultations with Health Ministry officials.
In addition, all Israelis, regardless of their vaccination status, will be able to enter all public amenities. However, masks will remain mandatory indoors until further discussions on the matter. Limits on entry and exit from the country will also remain in place.