Older Israelis to Receive 3rd COVID-19 Vaccination

The Times of Israel reported on July 29, 2021, 'Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced the official rollout of a third COVID vaccine dose for those over 60.'

Israel has primarily offered the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine.

“After a series of discussions with health experts in Israel and around the world, led by Health Ministry professionals, the expert panel of doctors recommended by an overwhelming majority to protect the older population in Israel,” said Bennett in live primetime address.

Previously, the Israel Health Ministry announced on July 27th, 'Children 5-11 years of age are approved for COVID-19 vaccination in 'Exceptional Circumstances.'

And on July 25th, the Ministry of Health published a 'Comparative Review of Confirmed Cases Data from January 2021 and July 2021.'

This analysis found 'vaccinated individuals with pre-existing health conditions are better protected against serious COVID-19 illness than non-vaccinated individuals without any risk factors.'

However, a study published by the NEJM on July 28, 2021, identified COVID-19 reinfections in fully vaccinated health care workers who were symptomatic or had known infection exposure. The Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan data indicates a reinfection rate of 2.6% in Israel from the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus Alpha variant.