1.37 million Israelis vaccinated against the novel coronavirus

Seven nurses who administered coronavirus vaccines at a vaccination center in Safed tested positive for the coronavirus.

Leumit Health Care Services mobile coronavirus vaccination unit. (photo credit: Courtesy)
Leumit Health Care Services mobile coronavirus vaccination unit.
(photo credit: Courtesy)

About 1,370,000 Israelis have received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, according to Health Minister Yuli Edelstein. Almost 146,000 of them were inoculated on Monday alone. Approximately 80% of Israelis over the age of 75 have been vaccinated, the CEO of Clalit Health Services told Army Radio Tuesday morning.

Israelis will begin receiving their second doses next week and, as Edelstein reminded the public on Tuesday morning, full vaccination occurs only about one week after the second dose.

Seven nurses who administered coronavirus vaccines at a vaccination center in Safed tested positive for the coronavirus, Israeli media reported Tuesday morning. As a result, dozens of people who were at the center and medical staff have entered quarantine.

Leumit Health Care Services have started operating mobile vaccination centers in the South of Israel, the healthcare provider announced Tuesday. The mobile center will operate in Ofakim and vaccinate approximately 250 people on Tuesday, according to Leumit.

Maccabi Healthcare Services announced that more than 80% of Maccabi members who are at risk have scheduled an appointment to receive the vaccination.

"This is a job the size of which Israel has never seen before...We are prepared to start administering the second dose next week as we continue to administer the first dose," said the CEO of Maccabi Healthcare Services.

Beersheba's municipality announced a new project to increase vaccinations among those over the age of 60. The project includes locating those who qualify for the vaccination but have not yet received it, helping them to make an appointment for vaccination and helping them with transportation to vaccination centers if necessary.

The project will also include providing information about the vaccine in multiple languages to reduce the fears among those who are reluctant to receive the vaccination.

"The Health Services are doing a wonderful job, but this does not take the responsibility or need to help from us, especially for at-risk populations or those who will struggle to get the vaccine independently," said the mayor of Beersheba.