Israeli Prime Minister: "Antibodies Increase Fivefold After 4th COVID-19 Vaccine Dose"

"Growing Confidence in the Safety of the 4th Dose"
Vaccinations Continue for Elderly and Medical Staff

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Israeli government announced that the antibody levels of recipients in the world's first ongoing fourth COVID-19 vaccine trial increased fivefold within one week, and side effects were not significant. Amid growing global debate over the necessity of a fourth dose, Israel is expected to continue administering the fourth dose to the elderly and healthcare workers.

On the 4th (local time), according to local media such as The Times of Israel, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visited Sheba Medical Center, Israel's largest medical institution conducting the fourth vaccine trial, and stated, "One week has passed since the fourth trial vaccination, and confidence in its safety has increased," adding, "The antibody levels of recipients increased fivefold after one week." He emphasized, "This means a significant increase in prevention against infection, hospitalization, and severe illness."

Previously, Sheba Medical Center began the world's first fourth vaccine trial on the 26th of last month. The trial, conducted on 150 healthcare workers who had received their third dose four months prior, has so far reported only mild side effects.

Professor Gili Regev-Yochay of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Sheba Medical Center, who led the trial, explained, "Preliminary results regarding the safety and efficacy of the fourth dose have been obtained. Additional information will be produced within days to weeks." She added, "Mild and localized post-vaccination adverse reactions appeared in 80% of participants, 45% experienced fatigue, muscle pain, and headaches, and the fever observed in 10% of participants subsided within a day." She emphasized, "At this point, the fourth dose appears to be as safe as the first to third doses."

Currently, Israeli health authorities recommend the fourth dose for all elderly individuals aged 60 and above and healthcare workers. So far, more than 24,600 people in Israel have completed the fourth vaccination.

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