Israel rolls out 5th vaccine targeting omicron

Israel has launched its fifth vaccination campaign, urging people in at-risk groups and those over 65 to get the additional COVID shot. The fifth vaccine available to Israelis is one that specifically targets the Omicron strain of the coronavirus, which makes up the majority of cases in the country.

Israel's Health Ministry says the new vaccine is expected to boost the body's defenses against the strain and perhaps maintain immunity for longer. Israelis who have received the first pair of vaccine doses are eligible to receive the newest shot. Israel is currently identifying about 1,000 new COVID cases per day, what's considered relatively low compared to previous waves.