A million Israelis get third dose, with early data showing heightened protection

Officials said Monday that more than one million Israelis have received the third-dose COVID-19 booster shot, The Times of Israel reported. 

The government launched its latest vaccination campaign over two weeks ago, urging people over 60 to get their third dose, which officials hope will help protect the country’s most vulnerable from the delta variant.

According to health ministry figures, the results are very promising. Third-dose recipients appear to be 2.5 times more protected from infection than those who received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. The added protection appears to reach its peak about a week after the third dose is given.

Amid rising cases, last month Israel became the first nation in the world to begin administering booster shots to those 60 and over. On Friday, Israel began giving third doses to people ages 50 and up.