Israeli study on fourth jab: good, but not enough | Coronavirus what you need to know

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Shortly after the fourth shot, people return to levels of antibodies shortly after the third, Regev said. She expected more from a second booster shot, she says. The goal cannot be to be vaccinated against the coronavirus every four months.

Regev says she is pleased that vulnerable groups, such as people with weakened immune systems, and people over 60 in Israel are already receiving the fourth dose. “But I’m really not sure if it should be given to everyone now. We need more information.”

At the same time, the professor emphasizes the enormous importance of the first booster vaccination, or thus the third shot. “Whoever received the first and second dose must urgently receive the third,” she insists. Anyone who has not yet received a booster should “run” to the vaccination center, according to the professor. Previous studies from Israel, among others, showed the positive effect of such a third injection.

Another trial of a fourth dose started on Wednesday at Sheba Hospital in Tel Aviv. 150 participants will receive a fourth vaccination with Moderna after three doses of Pfizer/BioNTech.

Israel is known for its vigorous vaccination campaigns during this corona pandemic. The country led the way in vaccinating the population a year ago and also quickly started the booster campaign, earlier than other countries. The country has therefore already started taking fourth shots in healthcare workers, people over 60 and people with a weakened immune system. Other countries are watching the findings in Israel with great interest.