Millions of Vaccines to Reach Israel in 2021

An end to the coronavirus crisis in Israel is starting to seem within reach. Israel’s Ministry of Health signed an agreement on Friday with British company AstraZeneca and its partner Oxford University to provide Israel with millions of COVID-19 vaccines during the first half of 2021. The vaccine, which is now in its phase 3 trials, has shown some promising results. Its stage 2 trials revealed a safe and strong immune response in older adults – a particularly surprising find given the fact that the immune system generally slows with age. This is good news for the elderly population, who are at a higher risk of severe illness from contracting COVID-19.

Israel has also signed vaccine agreements with Pfizer and Moderna, the two companies who are currently leading the race for a vaccine. Both companies have completed stage 3 trials and are asking the United States government to allow emergency distribution of their products. Pfizer’s vaccine has a stunning 95% prevention rate, while Moderna is close behind with 94.5%. Negotiations between Israel and Russia are in place to supply Israel with the “Sputnik V” vaccine, which is 92% effective. Israel is working to procure as many doses as possible to provide its people with a brighter future.