What Israel has (not) decided on the fourth dose
Because Israel is currently suspending the administration of the fourth dose of the vaccine
Israel had announced that it wanted to offer a fourth dose of the vaccine to healthcare workers and the over 60s starting last Sunday, but then preferred to start a study at the Sheba hospital in Tel Aviv.
THE (NON) ISRAEL DECISION ON THE FOURTH DOSE
Israel is the first country to give the green light to the fourth injection of Pfizer but only for immunosuppressed people. The announcement was made by the Israeli Ministry of Health. The Director General of the Ministry, Nachman Ash, who had the last word, decided not to approve an additional booster for over 60s and health personnel.
The choice went against the opinion expressed on 21 December by the Management team of epidemics (MTE) and, according to local media , Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was also in favor of starting the administration of the fourth dose as soon as possible.
However, writes Haaretz , a final decision on wider use is still pending. "We will continue to monitor the data on a daily basis and will consider whether there is a need to expand on this recommendation," Ash told a news conference.
DOUBTS ABOUT THE FOURTH DOSE
“In light of the knowledge gaps that exist in the world on the effectiveness of a fourth dose, in the current situation, we are acting with caution and responsibility”, explained Ash , justifying the choice. “If there are any signs that serious illness could increase among the elderly, then we will make this decision. The challenge is to understand it enough in time to be able to vaccinate them ”.
Indeed, some experts have complained about the lack of data. "In my opinion, this [MTE's decision to recommend the fourth dose, ed ] was scientifically and medically groundless, and I would have objected if I had to vote for it," tweeted Dr. Dror Mevorach of Hadassah-University Medical Center.
“The fact that we were the first to give a third vaccine does not mean that a fourth is necessary without a scientific basis. The decline of antibodies – he continued – is a natural condition, and most people have an immune memory ”.
"I am curious to see on what data the panel gave the recommendation," added Professor Cyrille Cohen, head of the immunology laboratory at Bar-Ilan University. "I know there is some evidence that immunity is waning, but I'm a little puzzled, I think such a move on vaccines shouldn't be taken lightly."
According to what Il Giornale writes, some members of the government's scientific advisory committee fear that “an excess of vaccinations, fatiguing the human body, would significantly weaken its ability to counter Covid attacks. The paradoxical consequence of the additional booster would consequently be that of 'weakening the immunity' of the vaccinated ”.
TEST IN PROGRESS
Meanwhile, a study on the effectiveness of administering the fourth dose of the anti Covid vaccine to counter Omicron was started at the Sheba hospital in Tel Aviv last Monday. In the last three days, the number of new cases has more than doubled and yesterday Israel recorded 3,947 new infections, the highest number since September .
The study, the first in the world, involves 6,000 people, including 150 healthcare workers from the hospital. The results, Haaretz said , are expected within two weeks.
HOW ARE VACCINATIONS IN ISRAEL
According to the latest figures from the Israeli Ministry of Health, out of a population of nearly 9.5 million, about two-thirds have received at least one dose of the vaccine and about 4.2 million have received three.
THE FORECASTS OF THE EXPERTS
At a press conference yesterday, Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz said officials were bracing for higher-than-ever infection rates, but the lockdown "isn't on the table." Experts predict Israel will hit 20,000 cases per day next week.
“We are ready for a high number of infections and we are prepared for all possibilities. The situation is under control. We have prepared in advance and the situation in Israel is much better than in the world. We have gained valuable time through quick and balanced actions, but that doesn't mean we can be complacent, ”said Horowitz.
This is a machine translation from Italian language of a post published on Start Magazine at the URL https://www.startmag.it/sanita/israele-che-cosa-non-ha-deciso-sulla-quarta-dose/ on Fri, 31 Dec 2021 12:33:07 +0000.