Israel to Launch Omicron-Adapted COVID Vaccination Campaign

Israel said that it will launch its fifth vaccination campaign with the new jab adapted for the omicron variant of the virus.

Reports say the priority will be given first to people aged 65 or older, and others in at-risk groups – including health workers and teachers.

The second priority will be given to the rest of the population. Anyone above the age of 12 and at least three months from a previous shot or COVID illness are eligible.

According to Channel 12, Israel has received Pfizer vaccines adapted to all omicron variants and the country’s health funds (kupot cholim) are ready to start the vaccination campaign as early as Thursday.

Last week, Prof. Salman Zarka, the coronavirus commissioner, urged those at risk to take the updated booster along with a flu shot. Around half of Israel’s population already has three vaccine doses and around 850,000 people have four, according to the Health Ministry’s data.

Earlier in July, a study conducted by Israeli researchers showed that the fourth COVID vaccine proved to be effective in protecting the elderly population, reducing risk of death from the virus by 72 percent.