JERUSALEM: Israel announced plans on Wednesday to administer the fourth dose of Covid vaccine to combat the new vaccine-evading Omicron variant. According to the country's Health Ministry, the Pandemic Response team recommended on Tuesday night that anyone over the age of 60 and medical workers receive a fourth dose of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine, according to the Jerusalem Post.
"This is fantastic news that will help us get through the Omicron wave that is engulfing the world," Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said in a statement, welcoming the move. "Israelis were the first in the world to receive the third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, and we are continuing to lead the way with the fourth dose as well," Bennett said.
The new announcement comes as Israel has seen an increase in new cases of the Omicron variant in recent weeks. According to the health ministry, 1,323 new Covid-19 cases were reported in the country on Tuesday. "Another vaccine for people over 60 and medical staff of all ages," Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz tweeted.
"Omicron's top priority is to protect the most vulnerable adults while also keeping the medical staff safe. There is no need to wait "He said. "Get yourself vaccinated." According to Bennett's office, the fourth vaccine campaign will begin immediately, the report added.
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