Israel to offer Covid-19 vaccinations on school grounds

The country has suffered a steep rise in coronavirus infections after its world-beating vaccine campaign drove down cases.

Israeli children undergo Covid-19 testing in Netanya on Sunday. Picture: AFP

Israel said Monday it would offer Covid-19 vaccinations to students on school grounds and that the school year would open on time next week, despite surging coronavirus cases.

“Pupils … will be vaccinated on school grounds during school hours, subject to parental approval,” the government said, confirming classes would begin on September 1.

Israeli leaders are trying to avoid a repeat of disruptive school closures amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The country has suffered a steep rise in coronavirus infections after its world-beating vaccine campaign drove down cases.

The health ministry said on Monday that 6467 new Covid cases were recorded in Israel a day prior, with 1142 people hospitalised.

About 30 per cent of children aged 12-15 have received two vaccine doses in Israel, far less than any other age group.

The school reopening plan would also require pupils younger than 12 to bring parental approval to perform a coronavirus test on the first day of school.

AFP