Israel on track for four-shot COVID vaccine drive as omicron spreads

Israeli authorities are set to become the first country to start the administration of the fourth shot of the COVID-19 vaccine as the threat of Omicron variant increases across the globe. An advisory panel has already recommended the step.

Naftali Bennett, Israel’s Prime Minister, said that health officials of the country have already been instructed to kick off preparations, welcoming the push in Israel’s vaccine drive.

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Those above the age of 60 and other at-risk members of society will be the first in line to get the extra dose of protection against COVID. However, based on past vaccination efforts, it could quickly include other segments of the population.

Bennett’s office said the campaign, which still requires bureaucratic approvals, is expected to begin in the coming days, according to reports from Associated Press.

The Middle Eastern country was one of the quickest across the globe to start a COVID vaccine drive in full swing and carry out a booster dose campaign over the summer.

While the omicron variant of coronavirus– first detected in Africa– tightens its grip around the world, Israel reported its first known death of a patient with the Omicron strain on Tuesday. At least 340 cases of Omicron infections have been reported in the country so far, according to reports from BBC citing the health ministry.

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In order to limit the spread of the new variant, Israel announced new travel restrictions earlier this month. Countries like Germany, the United States, Canada, Italy have been subject to restricted traveling.

So far, more than 1.36 million cases of COVID-19 infections have been reported in Israel since the start of the pandemic in late 2019. According to reports from BBC citing Johns Hopkins COVID tracker, nearly 8,200 deaths have been reported in Israel.