Tel Aviv, Jan 4, (dpa/GNA) – A study in Israel has shown, that a fourth coronavirus vaccination can increase an individual’s number of antibodies effective against the Omicron variant by five times, within the span of just a week.
The study’s preliminary findings were presented by Israeli Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, during a visit to the Shiba Hospital outside Tel Aviv on Tuesday, as the leader of the study, Gili Regev-Yochay, looked on.
“The fourth vaccination is safe,” Bennett said, adding that the news about the jump in antibody numbers “most likely means significant increase in the protection against infection and against severe hospitalization and symptoms.”
However, the number of antibodies does not automatically indicate increased protection against infection or disease.
The Shiba Hospital began its trial last week using the Pfizer/Biontech vaccine, and announced its interim results on Sunday, saying that the side effects were similar to those after the third dose.
People with immune deficiencies in Israel have been eligible for the fourth shot since Friday, while some elderly people living in care facilities have also already received a second booster.
Israel launched a vaccination campaign for seniors and medical staff on Monday, with both groups now eligible to receive a fourth dose of the vaccine as well.
Around 20,000 Israelis had already had a fourth dose, and around 100,000 had already made appointments for one in the coming weeks, Bennett said.
Israel has already had its fourth wave of coronavirus infections, but despite that, case numbers have spiked in recent days.
GNA