In Israel, being fully vaccinated now means three injections



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TEL AVIV – Israel is increasing the vaccine uptake, urging citizens to get vaccinated against Covid-19 and saying those who do not will face restrictions on travel, dining and other activities.

Holders of Israeli vaccine passports must receive a third dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine within six months of their second dose, or lose the so-called green pass that allows them more freedom.

“We are updating what it means to be vaccinated,” Israeli coronavirus tsar Salman Zarka said at a press conference on Sunday unveiling the new policy.

A study released Sunday by the Israeli Ministry of Health found that in 12 days, recipients of a third injection were 10 times less likely to become seriously ill and 11 times less likely to be infected than people who received their. second dose five months earlier.

Israeli health officials say they are unsure whether additional boosters, beyond the third dose, will be needed. But they are moving aggressively to get as many people vaccinated as possible with a third vaccine, as the most contagious Delta variant of the virus spreads. All Israelis over 12 are now eligible to receive a booster if five months have passed since their second injection.

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