JERUSALEM, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Wednesday began providing the booster shot of an Omicron-adapted COVID-19 vaccine across the country, said Israel's major health service organization Clalit and the Ministry of Health.
The vaccines are given at health maintenance organizations (HMOs) clinics across the country, according to their respective statements.
Those in risk groups, including people aged 65 and over, health workers, and teachers are recommended for the booster shot, said the Health Ministry.
Other people at the age of 12 and older are also allowed to be vaccinated with the adapted dose, if they have already received two regular vaccination doses or have recovered from the virus, it noted.
The new vaccine is designed to trigger an improved immune response against the Omicron strains, the ministry noted, adding that the campaign is part of the preparedness for possible new waves of infections in the coming winter.
So far, over 6.15 million people, or 64 percent of the total population, have received at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccines in Israel. ■
