Corona pandemic: How Israel’s third-party vaccination campaign is progressing

In Israel, the third-party corona vaccination is in full swing. Many – but by no means all Israelis – are taking part. The hope: a significantly better protection against infections. Because in Israel the number of infections is still high.

Waiting tickets, separate cabins and a little prick: this vaccination center in the north of Tel Aviv could also be in a major German city. But there is one big difference: Most people get the third dose of vaccine here.

For example Lihi, who is only 30 years old. She says: “I don’t want to get corona and we want to stop the epidemic. You could see that the antibodies from the second vaccination have decreased. That’s why I decided to have the third vaccination. Besides, everyone is doing it.”

None of them do that with the third dose. But many. There are already more than three million Israelis, or a third of the total population. Nevertheless, some have concerns. This 24-year-old student had herself vaccinated – but was reluctant to do so: “When we go back to university in October, they will probably ask for a third vaccination. Our impression is that people over 65 really need this third vaccination. But young people “We are concerned about possible side effects. And we wonder how long this will go on. Will there be a fourth vaccination soon? When will it stop?”

Vaccination certificates are running out

The state is putting pressure on: From October, the so-called green passports in Israel will expire six months after the second vaccination. In plain language: Anyone who wants to continue to participate in public life will need a third dose at some point. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has to put up with the question of whether his government is overdoing it.

A few days ago, the US FDA decided to recommend a general third booster vaccination only from the age of 65. In Israel there are fears that the news from the United States will lower vaccination morale among younger people. The government is therefore soliciting trust: As a vaccination pioneer, you noticed earlier that the vaccination protection decreases after about six months. In addition, one wants to prevent another lockdown with the third vaccinations.

Study: Significantly better protection after third vaccination

Eyal Leshem is a professor and specialist in infectious diseases at Sheba Hospital near Tel Aviv. He thinks the third vaccinations make sense: “As doctors, we always weigh the risks and benefits. And given the data we’re seeing in Israel, we think the risk of a third dose is very, very small. And the benefits of a booster vaccination clearly outweigh the risks. “

The professor’s hospital was involved in an initial study. According to this, people who were vaccinated thirdly have a ten-fold lower risk of contracting Covid-19 than those who were only given two doses. The risk of a severe course of the disease, according to the preliminary data, even drops by a factor of 18. In Israel, the vaccine from BioNTech and Pfizer is inoculated almost exclusively.

Still many infections

Of course, doctors also know that vaccines are still in short supply in many countries. That the World Health Organization therefore advises against broad-based third-party vaccinations. “I can understand the WHO’s request,” says Leshem. “However, it is the job of the Israeli government to protect its citizens. Especially the elderly. We have seen an increase in the number of serious illnesses and breakthrough infections in the elderly. Another vaccination is the best protection.”

While Israel is administering the third doses, the density of masks is limited in many places. Some warn not to lose sight of the other measures against corona infections. The number of newly detected infections in Israel is still very high in an international comparison.