Israel to give third dose of Pfizer to at-risk groups

The rapid spread of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 has again boosted vaccination rates in IsraelAs new infections have risen from a figure to around 450 per day over the past month, the country has stepped up to speed up Pfizer’s next shipment.

Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz said adults with weakened immune systems who have received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be eligible for a booster and a decision on wider distribution is pending.

Pfizer and its partner BioNTech SE, the main providers of the rapid deployment of Israel’s vaccination campaign that began in December, said Thursday that they will ask American and European regulators in the coming weeks to authorize the booster injections.

Companies cited an increased risk of infection after six months to seek authorization for a third injection.

“We are examining this question and we still do not have a definitive answer,” Horowitz told Kan public radio of a boost for the general population in Israel. “In any case, we are now administering a third vaccine to immunocompromised people. “

About half of the 46 critically ill patients currently hospitalized in Israel are vaccinated, and the majority belong to risk groups, according to health officials. Some 5.7 million of Israel’s 9.3 people have received at least one dose.