Expert panel calls to give booster shot to all Israelis over 40

19 August 2021, 9:04 pm

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An illustrative photo of a medical worker preparing a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot at a temporary Clalit Healthcare Services facility in Tel Aviv, on August 10, 2021. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)

A government advisory panel of health experts has voted to recommend opening up the third dose of vaccinations to all Israelis over age 40, further widening the national campaign intended to combat the Delta variant of the coronavirus and bring Israel out of the current wave of infections.

The panel also considered expanding the coverage of boosters to everyone who has had two shots — provided five months have passed since their last shot. However, this proposal has not been approved for now.

Health Ministry director-general Nachman Ash must now decide whether to accept the panel’s recommendation.

Some reports say that the drive to vaccinate people over the age of 40 could start tomorrow, while others expect it to happen on Sunday.