Ministry of Health Urges Citizens to Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19 as Cases Increase
The Ministry of Health is urging citizens to get vaccinated against the coronavirus as the country experiences a “moderate increase” in COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks. The new vaccination campaign, operated by the health funds, will begin immediately after the Sukkot holiday in Israel.
In many countries around the world, efforts are being made to encourage the population to participate in the renewed vaccination campaigns. Despite the perception that COVID-19 is old news, health authorities are stressing the importance of getting vaccinated.
The Ministry of Health recommends receiving the COVID-19 booster dose during the fall months, preferably at the same time as receiving flu shots. In the first phase of the vaccination campaign, Israel will receive 200,000 new vaccine doses, with a total of 2 million vaccines expected to be available.
Priority for vaccination will be given to individuals in high-risk groups for severe COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of their previous vaccination status. As more vaccine doses become available, the eligible population for vaccination will be expanded. The Ministry of Health unequivocally recommends that individuals with immunosuppression should be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Other countries have also launched new vaccination campaigns in response to rising COVID-19 cases:
– United States: The American CDC (Organization for Disease Control and Prevention) issued a renewed recommendation for everyone over the age of six months to get vaccinated again against COVID-19. The CDC emphasizes the importance of vaccination as the colder months approach, when COVID-19 cases may increase.
– France: The Ministry of Health of France has announced the start of a new and extensive winter vaccination campaign. The campaign targets individuals at risk, including those aged 65 and over, individuals with underlying diseases or immunosuppression, pregnant women, elderly people in nursing homes, and individuals in contact with high-risk populations.
– United Kingdom: The British Ministry of Health is currently administering vaccines to citizens aged 65 and over, individuals aged six months to 64 years with underlying medical conditions, healthcare workers, individuals aged 12-64 in direct contact with high-risk populations, and pregnant women.
– Germany: The Robert Koch Institute, responsible for disease control and prevention in Germany, recommends annual vaccination against COVID-19 for individuals aged 60 and over with underlying diseases or immunocompromised conditions. The German Minister of Health, Karl Lorbach, has also publicly received the vaccine to encourage more people to get vaccinated.
– Spain: In September, the Spanish government updated its instructions to encourage individuals aged 60 and over, nursing home residents, individuals with underlying diseases, immunosuppression, and pregnant women to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu.
– Netherlands: The Netherlands has launched a new vaccination campaign, prioritizing high-risk groups and individuals living with high-risk populations.
– Poland: Since April, Poland has allowed citizens, particularly healthcare workers and individuals at high risk of severe illness, to receive a fifth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
– Bulgaria: The Bulgarian government has initiated an extensive vaccination campaign, making the COVID-19 vaccine available to all individuals aged 12 and above.
Individuals are encouraged to stay updated on vaccination guidelines and seek vaccination opportunities in their respective countries.