Amid growing concerns over the rapid spread of Omicron variant of the coronavirus, Israel has announced that the country will offer a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to people aged above 60 years.

An expert panel of the Health Ministry recommended offering a fourth vaccine dose and the move was welcomed by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett who called it a news that will help the country overcome the Omicron wave. The decision still awaits a formal approval by senior health officials; however, the PM urged the citizens to get the dose as early as possible. He said, "My message is — don’t waste time, go get vaccinated." The decision has come after the first confirmed death of a patient with the Omicron variant in the country. A hospital confirmed the death on December 21; however, it stated that the patient suffered from several serious underlying health conditions… (The Hindu – Reuters, December 22, 2021)