The Israel announced the installation vaccination centers in schools to boost immunity in younger children, while The outbreak is flaring up again in the country that has mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for children over the age of 12.
Students «will be vaccinated at school during class time, subject to parental consent», the Israeli government clarifies, maintaining that the school year will begin on September 1.
Students under the age of 12 must present a parental consent form in order to take a diagnostic test.
In areas with a high number of cases, high school classes will operate as usual if 70% of the students have been vaccinated. Otherwise, classes will be held remotely.
Israel is experiencing a resurgence of the pandemic due to the Delta variant, having been one of the first countries to launch a widespread vaccination campaign as early as December, and in the summer began administering a third, booster, dose of the vaccine to people over 40.
About 30% of adolescents aged 12–15 have received two doses of the vaccine, a lower percentage compared to other age groups.
Israel has also launched a testing campaign for children over the age of 3 to determine, before the start of the school year, whether they have developed antibodies and to ascertain whether they have been infected.
Children who have developed sufficient antibodies will not be required to self-isolate if they come into contact with a confirmed case, which will help minimize disruptions to school operations.
