Israel: "Booster Shots Protect Patients" Easing Concerns Over Breakthrough Infections

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The Israeli Minister of Health announced that initial data shows that additional COVID-19 vaccinations (booster shots) protect patients against the new Omicron variant.

On the 1st (local time), according to local media such as Ynet, Minister of Health Nitzan Horowitz stated, with the caveat that the data is preliminary, "Those who have received the booster shot are well protected against the Omicron variant."

In Israel, it was revealed that two people who received the booster shot with the Pfizer vaccine were infected with the Omicron variant.

Minister Horowitz said, "Since the (Omicron variant) situation is under control, there is no need to panic," adding, "We have already anticipated the emergence of a new variant and are prepared. Vaccinations must continue."

He also expressed optimism, saying, "Officials are not yet certain how dangerous the new variant is, but Israel will return to normal as soon as possible."

Following reports of the Omicron variant, Israel has completely banned foreign entry for two weeks starting from the 28th of last month and designated 50 African countries as travel-restricted areas.

He emphasized, "Our policy of living with the coronavirus will be maintained," explaining, "This means that while keeping the economy, businesses, schools, culture, and sports open, we will mobilize all available means to ensure public health."

So far, a total of four cases of Omicron variant infections have been officially reported in Israel.

Most of the infected individuals are known to have received the booster shot with the Pfizer vaccine, raising concerns that the vaccine may have limited effectiveness against the Omicron variant.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.