14 Israelis who received third shot last week diagnosed with COVID, two hospitalized
Israeli Channel 12 is reporting that one week into the world-first COVID booster campaign 14 of those who received their third injection have contracted the coronavirus, two of whom are now hospitalized. The news station said it received internal documents from the Ministry of Health.
Israel's booster shot campaign began last week and comes even before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have ruled on the necessity of a third shot. Nevertheless, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has embarked upon a highly-charged push to get third shots into the arms of Israelis ages 60 and up.
"We have indications that the vaccine is effective in preventing severe illness. This is a very significant statement – the vaccine is safe and effective," Bennett said at today's Cabinet meeting. "Other countries are currently following our example – Germany, Britain and the U.S. are also moving toward giving a booster inoculation."
Last week some 420,000 Israelis over the age of 60 were vaccinated – more than one third of that demographic. Bennett said that on Sunday number would pass half a million.
He also warned that in the five days after receiving the third shot, recipients must be careful.
"From now until you are vaccinated, plus five more days, is a very dangerous period. You are in danger. Therefore, until you have been vaccinated and five days have passed, do not go to crowded places, take special care of yourselves. Once you have been vaccinated, you will be able to go out again, with masks of course. However, it would be a pity to be harmed and – heaven forbid – die just due to carelessness in the coming days."
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
