Israel’s vaccination campaign moved to a new level Monday with people over 60, who are considered an at-risk group, receiving the coronavirus vaccine through their health maintenance agencies at various designated centers across the country.
Israel launched the national coronavirus vaccination campaign on Sunday, with medical workers in the country’s main health care facilities receiving the vaccine first.
Due to high demand and limited access to the vaccine, only those who have previously been vaccinated can now obtain the vaccine.
Getting the vaccine at Maccabi in Herzliya
(Photo: AFP)
Recipients of the vaccine are reminded that it is administered in two doses, that those who have not yet received the first dose are obliged to follow the government ‘s coronavirus rules. .
One week after the second injection, which comes three weeks after the first, people will be issued with a “green passport” to confirm receipt of the vaccine.
While the benefits of the passport are not currently clear, it is accepted that anyone holding it does not have to go it alone if it is exposed to a certified coronavirus carrier or when they return from abroad. .
The coronavirus vaccine
(Photo: AFP)
They will also not be asked to do a coronavirus test if they plan to visit Eilat or the Dead Sea, the two tourist destinations that have imposed strict rules on visitors.
Among those receiving the vaccine on Monday was 81-year-old actor Shaike Levi.
“I feel like I felt after every injection.” There is nothing to fear, ”said Levi.
“It’s important to society, to the country and to the person who gets the bullet.” I think this is a special day of celebration, the day we get back to normal life. “
Medical worker receiving the coronavirus vaccine at the Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon
(Photo: AP)
His thoughts were raised by Nili and Amos Ben-Shabbat, who received the vaccine in Herzliya.
“It was very fast and not so painful. We were happy to come, it gives us hope to get rid of this pandemic, “said Nili.
Another recipient of the vaccine, who identified herself as Shelly, said that she would wait almost two hours to make an appointment but that the process itself was very smooth.
“The wait on the phone was long, but here the behavior was specific, organized, orderly and efficient,” she said.
Although the number of vaccination centers in Israel is currently limited, all four HMOs have said more sites are set to open during the week.
Clalit HMO will open additional centers in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Ashkelon, Rahat, Be’er Sheva, Petah Tikva, Bnei Brak, Afula, Nazareth, Tiberias, Modi’in, Rishon Lezion, Netanya and Ra’anana.
Meuhedet will open centers in Jerusalem, Hadera, Ashdod, Tel Aviv, Karmiel, Haifa, Netanya and Rehovot.
Leumit is expected to open in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Netanya, Petah Tikva, Ashdod, Beer Sheva, Acre, Haifa and Arraba.
Administering the vaccine at Maccabi HMO in Herzliya
(Photo: Maccabi)
Maccabi will open more centers in Herzliya, Ashkelon, Holon, Tel Aviv, Bnei Brak, Haifa, Kiryat Shmona, Be’er Sheva, Jerusalem, Givatayim, Kiryat Motzkin, Netanya, Petah Tikva, Dimona, Ashdod, Kiryat Gat, Beit Shemesh Gat, Beit Shemesh Rishon Lezion, Modi’in, Nahariya, Karmiel, Nof Hagalil and Eilat.
The vaccination campaign is expected to expand to more segments of the population by the end of December, when an additional 4 million Pfizer vaccines arrive.