Israel's 'Booster Shot' Vaccinations Surpass 3 Million... One-Third of Population Vaccinated

On the 20th of last month, COVID-19 vaccine booster shots were administered in Jerusalem, Israel. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Israel, the first country in the world to start COVID-19 vaccine booster shots (additional vaccinations), has surpassed 3 million additional vaccinations in about three months.

According to local media on the 18th (local time), the Israeli Ministry of Health announced the day before that the number of booster shot recipients exceeded 3 million. Considering that Israel's total population is about 9.3 million, more than one-third of the population has received the booster shot.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said, "I thank the 3 million good and responsible citizens who have been vaccinated," adding, "We are now safer and healthier." He also said, "Our next goal is to vaccinate 4 million people," and "The government will introduce a new program within a few weeks to achieve this."

Israel began administering COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to those with weakened immunity and others from July 12. Currently, the vaccination target has been expanded to include those aged 12 and older.

However, unlike the unanimous recommendation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel to administer booster shots only to the elderly, healthcare workers, and emergency responders, the recommendation for vaccination for all ages 16 and older was overwhelmingly rejected. Therefore, controversy is expected regarding the Israeli government's expansion of booster shot vaccinations.