The Ministry of Health published today (Wednesday) data according to which 4,800 new verified patients were diagnosed yesterday, out of 102,696 tests performed, which is a positive rate of 4.7 percent
The number of patients in critical condition stands at 723, of whom 172 are respirators.
"Vaccination of 11-5 year olds in Israel - after FDA approval"
Although Pfizer has announced "positive results" in the corona vaccine trial among children aged 11-5, the Israeli Ministry of Health is choosing to take a careful course of action.
The ministry has already said that it will wait for approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the vaccination of children, and only after it is received - will there be a discussion in the Ministry of Health and the team for treating epidemics.
Pfizer's experiment has been going on for several months, during which the corona vaccine has been tested in various doses on populations of children aged six months to 12. Even before that, the vaccine was found to be safe and effective for children aged 12 and over.
Pfizer found that the sufficient dose to vaccinate young children is one-third of the dose given to adults.
According to the experiment, the children's bodies responded to a dose of 10 micrograms of the vaccine similar to the way a body of 16 to 25 year olds responds to a 30 microgram dose.
"The Pediatrics Association welcomes the results of Pfizer's research at the age of 5-11 years," said Prof. Tzachi Grossman, chairman of the Pediatrics Association.
According to Prof. Grossman, "We will wait for FDA approval, which should arrive within a few weeks, and after a discussion with the epidemic treatment team and the Supreme Immunization Committee, we will begin vaccination."
He noted: "I am optimistic and appreciate that by providing proper and focused information to both medical staff and parents we will achieve high immunization rates."
At the same time, Dr. Bill Gruber, senior vice president at Pfizer, told the Associated Press that after giving the second dose the 11-5 year olds developed high levels of antibodies, no less than those developed by teens and young adults.
Later this year, Pfizer is expected to conduct an experiment in vaccinating children aged 5 and under. The company's CEO, Albert Burla, tweeted on his Twitter account that this was exciting news for families
. "These test results form a strong basis for our vaccine approval request for children ages 11-5, and we plan to submit it to the FDA and other regulators soon."
