December 22

Israel plans to offer a fourth dose of the coronavirus vaccine for the elderly and healthcare workers amid the spread of the Omicron variant.

The country has been pushing ahead with a world-leading vaccination program. It started giving a third shot in August, and about 44 percent of its population, or 4.17 million people, have received it.

The number of infections then declined, but has been increasing again since late November as the Omicron variant spreads. Daily new coronavirus cases exceeded 1,000 on Sunday for the first time in about two months.

An expert panel of the Israeli government recommended on Tuesday that a fourth shot be given to people aged 60 and older and healthcare workers.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett expressed his support for the proposal, saying it will help overcome the Omicron wave engulfing the world. He urged eligible people to get the shot.

Israeli media say 341 Omicron cases have been confirmed in the country so far.

NHK