Israel OKs 4th COVID vaccine dose for over 60s and medical workers

Vaccinated Israelis over the age of 5 who test negative for virus are exempt from isolating, while unvaccinated will still be required to isolate for seven days; Bennett warns daily cases could very soon exceed 50,000
Itamar Eichner|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Israel has approved a fourth coronavirus vaccine shot for people over the age of 60 and medical workers after Health Minister Nitzan Horowtiz and Health Ministry Director-General Prof. Nachman Ash ratified the move, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced Sunday evening.
  • Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter

  • Speaking to a press conference from the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem amid the spread of the Omicron variant, with Israel's daily caseload hovering around 5,000 in recent days, Bennett warned that the country is on course to top 50,000 new coronavirus cases during the current wave.
    3 View gallery
    מבצע החיסון הרביעי במרכז רפואי שיבא למושתלי לב
    מבצע החיסון הרביעי במרכז רפואי שיבא למושתלי לב
    A nurse prepares a dose of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine at Sheba Medical Center
    (Photo: Moti Kimchi)
    The premier also announced that vaccinated individuals aged 5 and over who test negative for the virus will be exempt from isolation.
    Unvaccinated persons who are exposed to the virus will be required to self-isolate for a minimum of seven days even if they test negative.
    "We've learned from the world that if you're fully vaccinated, you're also largely protected from severe illness, even if you do end up catching [the virus]," Bennett said.
    3 View gallery
    נפתלי בנט במסיבת עיתונאים
    נפתלי בנט במסיבת עיתונאים
    Prime Minister Naftali Bennett during a press conference on Sunday
    (Photo: Emile Salman)
    "That is why we've decided to waive quarantines for the age of five and up. The rule that should be guiding all of us is that the vaccine is protecting you from severe illness and isolation."
    In order to encourage vaccine uptake among the population, ministers approved granting a temporary Green Pass to Israelis who receive their first shot.
    The temporary certificates will be valid for 30 days after the administration of the first vaccine dose and will allow access to public accommodations that require proof of immunization.
    The passes will be issued starting January 6.
    3 View gallery
    התרופה לקורונה שפיתחה 'מרק'
    התרופה לקורונה שפיתחה 'מרק'
    Merck's Molnupiravir anti-COVID pill
    (Photo: Reuters)
    Also Sunday, the Health Ministry announced it had authorized the use of the Molnupiravir pill for COVID-19 patients over 18 years of age and signed a supply contract with Merck & Co for its supply, with the first shipment due soon.
    Molnupiravir was authorized by the United States last month for certain high-risk adult patients and has been shown to reduce hospitalizations and deaths by around 30% in a clinical trial.
    6Comments
    add comment
    The commenter agrees to the privacy policy of Ynet News and agrees not to submit comments that violate the terms of use, including incitement, libel and expressions that exceed the accepted norms of freedom of speech.
    6.
    Israel continues to follow US lead, despite the failure
    It's so sad watching Israel copy and carry out the worst of US practices. Two years in, it's all about lockdowns, masks and vaccines. The vaccines that have failed to end the pandemic anywhere. Indeed, those places with the highest rates of vaccinations and boosters have some of the worst spikes, including here in DC. (Ask yourself why Israel's numbers are far worse than in neighboring states or the Palestinian Territories, which have lower rates of vaccination.) Why do Israeli authorities continue ignoring early treatment protocols used elsewhere, as in Japan, India's Uttar Pradesh, and Mexico City? Moreover, as Dr. Malone, who created the mRNA technology, has argued, not only are these "boosters" targeting a variant of the virus quickly disappearing, but with each new boost there appears to be a window of *increased* vulnerability.
    Raymond in DC| 01.03.22
    10
    add comment
    The commenter agrees to the privacy policy of Ynet News and agrees not to submit comments that violate the terms of use, including incitement, libel and expressions that exceed the accepted norms of freedom of speech.
    5.
    4th vaxx jab makes Uehidan family famous and wjoke
    01.03.22
    00
    add comment
    The commenter agrees to the privacy policy of Ynet News and agrees not to submit comments that violate the terms of use, including incitement, libel and expressions that exceed the accepted norms of freedom of speech.
    4.
    to TBer 2: 4th jab doesn't have NEW RDNA
    it is more of the same and definitely NOT worth bothering to get. At this time it is each wo/man for her/his-self. Best options: get your COVID-19 protocols in place 1. wear your mask everywhere 2. wash your hands 3. DO NOT TOUCH your face 4. stay away from crowded places 5. keep a WRITTEN none-computerized record of your outdoor activities 6 monitor your temperature twice a day
    01.03.22
    00
    add comment
    The commenter agrees to the privacy policy of Ynet News and agrees not to submit comments that violate the terms of use, including incitement, libel and expressions that exceed the accepted norms of freedom of speech.
    Load more talkbacks
    ""