Dec 21, 2021 - World

Israel rolls out 4th COVID vaccine dose to over-60s

Axios

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett receives a booster shot of vaccine against the coronavirus at Meir Medical Center in the central Israeli city of Kfar Saba, on August 20. — Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett receives a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot in the central Israeli city of Kfar Sab in August. Photo: Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced Tuesday he's ordered the rollout of a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in response to the threat of the rapidly spreading Omicron variant.

Why it matters: Israel is believed to be the first country to offer a fourth coronavirus dose to citizens.

What's happening: Israel's government is offering fourth doses to residents aged over 60 and those with compromised immune systems.

What they're saying: "The citizens of Israel were the first in the world to receive the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and we are continuing to pioneer with the fourth dose as well," Bennett said in a statement to news outlets.

Go deeper: Israel bans travel to U.S. and Canada over Omicron variant

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Israel rolls out 4th COVID vaccine dose to over-60s

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