The head of the Israeli doctors’ union on Thursday called for vaccination of people at risk against coronavirus in front of medical workers, directly contradicting the Ministry of Health’s position.
The ministry on Wednesday released a list of who will be included first, with health workers appearing to be given top priority. The first to receive the vaccines are members of the medical staff at hospitals and then HMOs and private health clinics.
Sheba Medical Center is preparing for a vaccine against coronavirus
(Photo: TPS)
“Getting the vaccine at the highest risk population, such as retired home tenants and the elderly, will not only stop the pandemic, but will certainly prevent serious casualties. immediately, “the Israeli Association of Public Health Physicians, Prof. Hagai Levine, told Ynet.
“We need to focus on the most vulnerable group that could die from coronavirus. We don’t even know how many vaccines have reached Israel and how many more will come next week, so we can’t co-opt make an informed decision about which organizations to prioritize. “
Chairman of the Association of Doctors of Public Health Hagai levin
(Photo: ynet)
Prof. Levin also said he believed Israel could avoid a third general lockout if the government tighten existing coronavirus restrictions.
“We need to make the right decisions, we need a balance that Israel does not have at the moment. You do not need travel restrictions, but restrictions on trade and gatherings to stop an increase in serious illness. In our opinion as public health professionals, there is an exclusion of the issue, “he said.
“We’re always looking at the number of cases, but that’s wrong, certainly when the vaccines are already here. Our goal is to save lives – not prevent it. diseases. “
Covid-19 vaccine
(Photo: TPS)
Levin also expressed his fear of the government ‘s lack of transparency in tackling the pandemic that is hurting public confidence in the vaccine.
The Pfizer coronavirus vaccine was thought to be so effective and safe after going through a strict regulatory process with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Ministry of Health.