Israel Begins Pfizer Booster Shots for Immunocompromised, Including Those with Autoimmune Disease

July 12, 2021

Israel is now the first country whose Ministry of Health is officially recommending the use of booster shots for those with compromised immune systems, who may be unable to develop sufficient antibodies after a full dose of the vaccine.

The majority of those currently hospitalized in Israel for COVID-19, who have already been vaccinated, include those in high-risk groups. While organ transplant patients take priority for a third shot, people with autoimmune disease will be eligible.

Independent clinical cases have already shown an uptake in antibody production after a third dose in those who are immunocompromised. The Israeli government has not come to a decision regarding booster shots for the general population.