Over 60s in Massive Signup for Fourth Shot

Israelis over 60 were responding massively on Monday to the government’s offer of a fourth dose of the coronavirus vaccine the day before.

As of Monday evening, tens of thousands had scheduled appointments for a shot with the major health services, The Jerusalem Post said.

Clalit Health Services, for one, reported that 8,000 of its members had already been administered the shot by Monday afternoon.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett proclaimed “the fourth vaccination campaign a great success.

“Within a day of our announcement of a fourth vaccine, 100,000 Israelis have already been vaccinated or have made an appointment.

“Vaccines protect us from serious illness and quarantine, and the public understands that,” he concluded in a statement from his office on Monday night.

The army will offer its support to the vaccination campaign, as Defense Minister Benny Gantz said while visiting the Alon Headquarters tasked to help civilian institutions in the fight against the pandemic.

“The IDF continues to assist the health system in any operational need – we are recruiting hundreds of researchers, we manage hotels, and we are also expanding the capability of the various testing stations,” he said. “The Home Front Command will begin a targeted assistance program for quarantined people in need and for seniors.”

To qualify for a fourth shot, individuals over 60 and medical workers need to have been boosted at least four months earlier.