Israel considers fourth coronavirus vaccine dose

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Sunday Israel will consider a fourth COVID-19 vaccine "for populations at risk," in an attempt to combat the new omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Last month, Israel barred entry to foreign nationals and the use of controversial technology for contact tracing as part of its efforts to clamp down on the new variant.

Israel's Health Ministry announced 55 cases of omicron on Saturday, raising fears of a possible surge in infections.

The country launched one of the world's first and most successful vaccination campaigns late last year, and more than 4.1 million people have now received a booster shot.

Israel recently expanded the campaign to include children as young as five.

With a population of more than 9 million, it has reported at least 8,210 deaths linked to COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.